Putin lauds Abbas for 'responsibility' in talks with Israel
BETHLEHEM - Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his Palestinian counterpart yesterday for what he said was a "responsible" position in negotiations with Israel, frozen for nearly four years, and said Russia has no problem recognizing a Palestinian state.
Putin also offered veiled criticism of Israel, saying unilateral actions - an apparent reference to Israeli settlement construction on war-won land - is not constructive.
The Russian president spoke at the end of a visit to Bethlehem, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas by his side. Putin inaugurated a Russian cultural and language center in the city and toured the church built over the traditional birth grotto of Jesus.
Israeli-Palestinian talks on the terms of Palestinian statehood broke off in 2008. Repeated efforts to restart them have failed because of wide gaps between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Abbas.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/putin-praises-abbas-for-his-responsible-position-in-negotiations-with-israel-1.444099
