[AP/International Herald Tribune] Andrew E. Kramer - "Recently, we have somewhat downgraded the level of contacts with Hamas," said Andrei Denisov, a first deputy foreign minister, after PA Chairman Abbas met with President Putin in Moscow on Tuesday. Russia is the only member of the Quartet of international mediators that recognizes Hamas. Denisov said future Russian contact with Hamas would be more "pragmatic" and focused on pressuring the group to accept Abbas' authority. In his comments, Putin told Abbas, "we will support you as the legitimate leader of the Palestinian people." Russian officials said they would provide 50 armored personnel carriers to Abbas' government.
2007-08-01 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive