Russian President in West Bank for Mideast Talks
VOA News 18 January 2011
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has arrived in the West Bank for talks with Palestinian officials focusing on the Middle East peace process.
Mr. Medvedev was to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during the trip -- his first to the West Bank as Russian president.
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat says the Russian president's visit is "historic" and a diplomatic sign that Palestinians are ready for statehood and independence.
Direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians over possible statehood and borders broke down after an Israeli moratorium on settlement construction expired in September. Palestinians oppose building on land they want as part of a future state.
Last week, the European Union said the group known as the Middle East Quartet would meet in Germany in February to try to find a solution to the stalemate in peace talks. The group consists of the EU, U.N., U.S. and Russia.
Mr. Medvedev initially planned to visit Israel as part of his Middle East tour but cancelled that portion of his trip because of an ongoing strike by Israeli foreign ministry workers. His trip includes a stop in Jordan.
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