Days before a planned visit to the Middle East by United States president Donald Trump, the Palestinian Authority is saying Russia must be involved in any peace with Israel.
Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas, meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Russia, says a solution is "impossible" without meaningful participation from Russia.
That meeting has taken place 10 days before Mr Trump is due to visit Israel and the city of Bethlehem in the West Bank.
It also comes as Israel's ambassador to the United Nations has criticised Mr Abbas's government for what he describes as its support for convicted terrorists.
Danny Danon says it has dedicated more than $300 million of its budget to paying those imprisoned for, and the families of those killed in, attacks against Israelis and foreigners.
"Think about it. Think about the simple message this sends to the Palestinian children. Mahmoud Abbas is telling them that there is a simple equation: kill innocent people, and you and your family will be paid for the rest of your life."
Speaking to reporters in New York, Mr Danon says Mr Abbas cannot be effective in bringing peace to the region while supporting terrorism at the same time.
"In 2016, the (Palestinian Authority) dedicated almost $130 million dollars to paying imprisoned terrorists. They spent another $175 million in allowances to the families of so-called martyrs. Altogether, the PA pays more than $300 million directly in support of terrorists every single year."
Speaking in the Russian city of Sochi, Mr Abbas said the Palestinians are committed to fighting what he calls terrorism and extremism.
But he says the Palestinians need help to accomplish that.
"We believe that the fight against terrorism and extremism is an international responsibility. From our side, we are committed to that, and we believe that giving our people freedom and independence will remove the nucleus from extremism and will help to provide a foundation for peace and security in our region."
Mr Abbas says the Palestinian Authority has been emphasising at all international meetings that Russia must be involved in any solution.
Speaking alongside him, Russian president Vladimir Putin says Russia will continue to give its full support to the resumption of direct talks between the Palestinians and Israel.
"I would like to underline that the peaceful coexistence of the two states of Palestine and Israel is the indispensable condition to provide true security and stability in the Middle East."
Earlier this month, Donald Trump hosted Mr Abbas at the White House in Washington.
In their first face-to-face talks, President Trump promised to do "whatever is necessary" to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
But he gave no sign of how he could revive the long-stalled negotiations.
Mr Trump's visit later this month will be part of his first foreign trip as president.
He announced last week his trip will also include stops in Saudi Arabia and the Vatican.
He is expected to arrive in Israel on May 22.
Share
