عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

‘Hamas’ Delegation Visits Russia to Discuss Upcoming Elections

Russia Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov arrives for a meeting on Syria at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva June 5, 2013. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
Russia Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov arrives for a meeting on Syria at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva June 5, 2013. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
TT
TT

‘Hamas’ Delegation Visits Russia to Discuss Upcoming Elections

Russia Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov arrives for a meeting on Syria at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva June 5, 2013. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
Russia Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov arrives for a meeting on Syria at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva June 5, 2013. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov met with Hamas political bureau member Mousa Abu Marzouq in Moscow to discuss upcoming elections in Palestine, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The Hamas delegation briefed its Russian counterpart on the latest political developments concerning the Palestinian issue, especially the Palestinian legislative, presidential, and National Council elections.

Bogdanov welcomed the visit of the Hamas officials and confirmed the Russian unwavering position towards the Palestinian cause.

He also stressed that Moscow is keen on achieving the Palestinian national unity and highlighted the Russian government’s preparedness to exert all efforts possible to unite the Palestinians.

In the past years, Russia has been hosting Palestinian factions’ delegations including the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine and Fatah – chaired by the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

Palestinian officials stated that Moscow acts as a mediator between the factions to put an end to the rift and disputes regarding the elections.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

EU’s Borrell Urges Israel to Accept Lebanon Ceasefire ‘Today’

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell gives a statement to the media after his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP)
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell gives a statement to the media after his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP)
TT
TT

EU’s Borrell Urges Israel to Accept Lebanon Ceasefire ‘Today’

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell gives a statement to the media after his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP)
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell gives a statement to the media after his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP)

The European Union's foreign policy chief urged the Israeli government on Tuesday to back a proposed ceasefire deal in Lebanon which he said has all the necessary security guarantees for Israel.

Speaking at a G7 Foreign Ministers meeting in Italy, Josep Borrell said there was no excuse for not implementing the deal with Iran-backed Hezbollah, adding pressure should be exerted on Israel to approve it immediately.

"Let's hope that today (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu will approve the ceasefire agreement proposed by the US and France. No more excuses. No more additional requests," Borrell said, criticizing hard-line Israeli ministers who have spoken against the deal.

Israel looks set to approve a US plan for a ceasefire with Hezbollah on Tuesday, a senior Israeli official said.

Borrell, who said he discussed prospects for a deal in a recent trip to Lebanon, said one of the sticking points was whether France should be included in a committee monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire, which the US is due to chair.

He said the Lebanese have specifically asked for France's involvement, but the Israelis have misgivings.

"This is one of the points that are still missing," he said.

Borrell also criticized what he saw as Western double standards on the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his former defense chief, and a Hamas leader, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict.

"You cannot applaud when the court goes against (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and remain silent when the court goes against Netanyahu," he said, urging European Union member states to support the ICC.

Italy, which holds the G7 presidency, said on Monday it was trying to broker a common position for the group on the ICC decision, but progress is hard since the US has said it does not recognizethe jurisdiction of the court and opposes the arrest warrant for Netanyahu.

The G7 comprises the US, Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Canada and Japan.