Russian Pres. affirms support to Palestinian cause

MOSCOW, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday attributed root of Middle East conflict to disregard of international resolutions on Palestine, stating that Russia is exerting all efforts it can spare to support Palestinian people in this humanitarian crisis. In a meeting with Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas, in Moscow Putin stated that Russia is following the situation in Palestine with utmost concern and agony, and affirmed his support to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Despite Russia's focus on defending its own people and interests, the situation in the Middle East remains an issue of interest, he added. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hailed the steady and unwavering Russian position, and expressed his gratitude for the political and humanitarian aid Russia provided to resolve the conflict. Abbas called for implementing International Court of Justice rulings, and pointed to the United Nations failure to issue a resolution addressing the crisis in Gaza. The Pales tinian President called for a ceasefire in Gaza, allowing for aid flow and stopping forced evictions, asserting that he will not allow for the tragedy of 1948 to recur. President Abbas had arrived to Moscow on Monday for a three-day visit following an official invitation by Russian counterpart to examine current situation in Middle East and the augmenting Israeli occupation aggression. Source: Kuwait News Agency