Interfax's Interview

 Palestine has maintained very close relations with Russia for decades and there is an agreement between the Russian and Palestinian governments to meet every three months, Abbas said, asked about the topics the Palestinian delegation would like to discuss with the Russian leadership. This time there are many things the delegation would like to discuss, including the situation in the Gaza Strip given the recent bloody upheaval, as well as ways to repair the situation, he said, adding that another desired topic for the discussion is the situation in the Palestinian territories in general.

 The Palestinian delegation will discuss an international meeting on the Middle East, Abbas said, stressing that he meant precisely a meeting, not a conference. Palestine is interested in how Moscow views the proposed meeting, he said. The delegation believes it important to think over and discuss the issues that would become items on the agenda of the meeting, which Russia is willing to hold, the PNA president said. Speaking about the organization of the meeting, Abbas said that the organization of the meeting and the list of participants should be decided on. Palestine wishes to discuss the final settlement with Israel, as well as its desire to reach a peace agreement with Israel, he said, adding that Israelis must show seriousness and honesty, and be willing to achieve this.

 Abbas also said that Palestine is particularly interested in coordinating its political stance with the Russian authorities, while in turn he would brief Moscow on his recent meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Quartet’s special envoy Tony Blair.

 Commenting on the fact that the idea of the international conference, which was initially proposed by Russia, is now perceived as U.S. President George Bush’s initiative, Abbas said that Russia has called for such a meeting for a long time and the Quartet backed the appeal. Bush has spoken of an international meeting this fall, and it does not matter much to the PNA where the idea originated, in Russia or the United States, he said, adding that the main thing is that the meeting is fruitful.

 Asked when the Palestinian state might be formed, the PNA president said that he cannot name the exact date, but the issue should be seriously discussed in order to reach a final decision acceptable for everyone. Asked if he believes that the goal will be reached in the near future, Abbas said that Palestine must always be optimistic and hope all the time.

 Speaking about recent media reports that Israel is ready to transfer 90% of the West Bank to Palestinians in the near future, the PNA leader said that he learnt this from media reports, which he cannot comment on. Abbas also said he did not receive a direct proposal from Olmert. However, every time the Israeli prime minister speaks on Palestine’s final status, the PNA treats such statements positively.

 Abbas confirmed that both Bush and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated recently that they would like to secure a breakthrough in the settlement within a year, adding that Palestine should profit from favorable conditions.

 Commenting on the appointment of Blair as the quartet’s special envoy, Abbas said that he met with Blair both when served as British prime minister and after the appointment as the quartet’s envoy. The PNA president said he knows that his mandate presupposes that he supervises the economic aspects of the Middle East settlement.

 Speaking about Russia’s contacts with Hamas, Abbas said that this has not been brought into question, adding that when he hears that Russian representatives are going to talk with Hamas, he thinks this depends on Russia: whether it wants to converse with the movement or not. As for Palestine, it cannot impose anything on Russia, because this is an independent and sovereign state that has the right to choose.

 The PNA president also said that Palestine would not ask Russia for military assistance. In the past, Palestine has asked Russia for help, in particular equipment and rifles, and Russia has always showed a willingness to help Palestine, Abbas said.

More Interfax’s interviews...