Putin. Supports PA
Photo: Reuters
Abbas. To ask for help
Photo: AFP
Abbas to meet Putin for Russia summit
PA leader to discuss with Putin humanitarian crisis in territories, potential renewal of talks with Israel
While the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian Authority is worsening by the day and the international boycott on the Palestinians continues, Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday, in a bid to secure a continued Russian support.
The meeting is set to focus on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the PA that has been developing since Hamas' ascension to power in a January elections. The two leaders may also discuss the possibility for a renewal of the peace negotiations with Israel.
The PLO envoy in Moscow said that Monday's talks will be in the nature of a "friendly gathering." The Russian news agency TAS reported that a Hamas spokesman thanked Putin for his support of the Palestinian people and said he hopes the meeting between the Russian leaders and Abbas will "energize the situation in all fields."
Despite the decision of the United States and many European countries to halt fund transfer to the PA, Russia has continued to funnel money to the Palestinians, as Moscow claimed it would be a mistake to isolate them. Last week, Russia channeled USD 10 million in emergency aid to the PA. The money was transferred directly to Chairman Abbas' office.
Notably, a Hamas delegation was invited to visit Moscow soon after the elections, at a time when the international embargo on the group was especially tight.
