Russia says Israeli, Palestinians officials agree to hold talks
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 9 September 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia says Israeli, Palestinians officials agree to hold talks, 9 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58189d5913.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 09, 2016
Russia's Foreign Ministry says Palestinian and Israeli officials have agreed to meet for talks in Moscow, in an effort to restart the peace process in the Middle East now dormant for more than two years.
But the announcement, made on September 8, said only that the two sides had agreed "in principle" to meet, and no date or format was given for the proposed talks.
In Washington, a State Department spokesman said U.S. officials were following the Russian efforts and were supportive of any effort to bring the two parties together.
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remain far apart on many issues, and their differences have prevented meaningful talks since Netanyahu took office in 2009.
The last round of talks broke down in 2014, with no progress reported during months of U.S.-brokered negotiations.
The effort highlights a push by Moscow to resume an active role in the Middle East's nettlesome politics, an effort underscored further by its game-changing military campaign to bolster the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad, a close ally.
Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
