Russia Backs Fatah and Hamas Reconciliation Bid

[Purveyor]

MOSCOW, March 24 (RIA Novosti) - Russia backs the move toward Palestinian unity made by Fatah and Hamas, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

On Sunday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah and the hard-line Islamic movement Hamas, in control of the Gaza Strip since last June, signed a declaration stipulating that the two parties agreed in principle to forge a new national unity government and set up security forces supporting the government rather than factions.

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Moscow sees the confirmation of Fatah and Hamas' aspiration for the resumption of Palestinian unity as an important move worth backing," the statement said.

During his recent Mideast trip, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia actively supported talks to restore Palestinian unity. "The absence of Palestinian unity prevents steps toward peace in the region," he said on March 21.

According to press reports, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, who paid a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories in an attempt to boost peace talks, said on Monday he did not think Fatah was ready to reconcile with Hamas until the latter gives up control of Gaza.

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http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080324/102094408.html

[bemildred]

1. Dick isn't going to like this. He may have to go huddle with the Saudis again. nt