MOSCOW. April 13 (Interfax-AVN) - Russia "is interested in the achievement of a fair and comprehensive settlement in the Middle East," Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"It is necessary to resume the peace process based on the Road Map peace plan and consistently move toward its final destination, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state peacefully coexisting with Israel," Putin said accepting credentials from a number of ambassadors on Thursday.
"In attaining these goals, Russia is prepared to continue to provide assistance to the Palestinian government and the Palestinian National Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas," Putin said.
Russia is "a consistent champion of equal partnership and respect for each other's interests," Putin said. "Based on these very positions of international law, we are seeking a safer and more secure world," he said.
Russia's position in the UN and regional economic and political organizations is making a significant contribution to the cause of global stability and progress, he said.
Russia intends to take advantage of its presidency in the G8 in 2006 "to advance the resolution of the most important problems of the 21st century," Putin said. Russia's priorities are energy security, the development of education, and a joint fight against infectious diseases, he said.
Addressing these problems, Russia would like to see "consolidated efforts of the entire international community" and expects that this cooperation could significantly accelerate the dynamism of global economic development and improve living standards of millions of people on the planet, he said.