LOC00:20
21:20 GMT
MOSCOW, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomed Monday the efforts exerted by Palestinian parties and movements toward restoring unity and overcoming division.
Lavrov made his remarks during his meeting with representatives of Palestinian factions and parties at his office in Moscow, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Overcoming the state of internal division among Palestinian movements contributes to creating suitable conditions to resume peace negotiations with the Israelis to attain a just, solid, and comprehensive settlement in the Middle East, he said.
The Russian minister also affirmed his country's readiness to provide an effective assistance to push the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations process further.
Such negotiations should result in establishing a geographically independent and united Palestinian state living in peace and security with all its neighbors, he added.
For their part, the Palestinian sides praised Moscow's efforts to achieve reconciliation among the Palestinians, expressing hope in the continuation of such efforts toward attaining the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. (end)
as.ma