MOSCOW. Jan 31 (Interfax-AVN) - President Vladimir Putin has called for the creation of an independent Palestinian state living in peace with Israel.
"Russia favors the creation of an independent state living in peace with Israel, which has the right to existence, and to a safe existence," Putin said after talks with Palestinian Administration chief Mahmoud Abbas on Monday.
Both sides attach significance to stopping terrorist acts and developing an inter-Palestinian dialogue in the interests of a political settlement with Israel, he said.
The ambitions of some individuals often clash with the interests of the people, all the more so if they overstep the framework of the law, the president said.
Putin called strengthening the internal Palestinian dialogue an important factor in peace talks with Israel and improving the regional situation.
Commenting on Israel's withdrawal from part of the West Bank, Putin described it as a major step towards ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands.
The Middle East peace process should be carried out on the basis of the road map plan and in close contact with the Palestinian Administration, Putin said.