MOSCOW. Sept 5 (Interfax) - Russia could become one of key players in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal said.
"The Russian initiative, the new approach to the issue - we are participating in it because (...) we believe that Russia can play a role in the peace process, possibly not only now but also in the future. Russia can become one of key players on the issue of peaceful resolution and put an end to the confrontation between Palestine and Israel. We believe that the region is ready for Russia to play such a role after its actions in Syria," Nofal said in an interview with Interfax.
"On the other hand, we in Palestine welcome Russia's position and political approach and hope it will succeed in its mission," the ambassador said.
"I think talks between Palestine and Israel have been deadlocked for a long time now. We need Russian initiative. Its core idea is to re-launch the peace process based on new principles. It's too complicated to talk about it now," the Palestinian ambassador said.
"Russia understands this issue, is familiar with the region's problems and understands the main difficulties in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process," Nofal said.
"We believe that Russian initiative will help re-build the relations between the sides. Both sides have agreed, at least, to begin talks, and these will begin from establishing confidence-building measures. I am not saying that we need some preliminary measures but we do need at least to begin talks, and then we'll see," the ambassador said.