Russia to support Palestinian efforts in Middle East conflict settlement

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday voiced his country's support for Palestinian efforts to settle conflicts with Israel.

"We will support your efforts aimed at activating everything that is necessary for a constructive dialogue," Putin said at a meeting with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Abbas, for his part, urged the international community to define the principles on which the Middle East settlement could be reached, and to formulate a timetable for negotiations to make final decisions.

On Thursday, Putin is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Moscow, according to the Kremlin.

Putin and Netanyahu are expected to discuss, among others, the current situation and prospects of the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, the Kremlin said.

Abbas' visit came amid an ongoing wave of violence between Israel and Palestinians, which has so far left over 200 Palestinians and 30 Israelis dead, according to official figures.

Source: XINHUA