RAMALLAH, April 14, 2016 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to arrive Monday in Russia on an official visit.

Abbas will be meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, where they are set to discuss the overall political situation in the Arab arena, including the holding of an international peace conference.

Abbas will further discuss efforts exerted toward heading to the United Nations Security Council to present a draft resolution condemning Israeli settlements, after the United States vetoed – in 2011 -  a Security Council resolution condemning all Israeli settlements established in occupied Palestinian territory since 1967 as illegal, saying that while it agreed that the settlements are illegitimate the resolution harmed chances for peace talks.

According to Sputnik News, “The Russian and Palestinian leaders are expected to discuss Russia’s possible role in efforts to revive the stalled negotiations between Israel and Palestine after they collapsed in 2014.”

In an interview with Sputnik News, Abbas called on Russia to play a key role in the efforts aimed to end the Israeli occupation and achievement of peace.

T.R.