RAMALLAH, February 11, 2018 (WAFA) - Abdel Hafiz Nofal, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Russian Federation Sunday said President Mahmoud Abbas’ visit to Russia is of significance as it aims to find an impartial broker to lead negotiations with Israel.  

He told WAFA that Abbas’ visit to Russia comes amid extremely complicated circumstances where the region is affected by major events and escalating developments as a result to the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and transfer the embassy to it.

Nofal said “President Abbas announced that for Palestinians, the US in not welcome to play the role of broker because of its bias towards Israel. At the same time, we remain committed to the peace process and wish to resume it and achieve a two-state solution.”

He hoped that Russia would play a bigger role in the construction of a new mechanism and a broader international vision where the US is part of but not leading it, in an attempt to put an end to the escalating crisis, which threatens the entire region.

Abbas is visiting Russia, because the country is interested in the events in the region and the Palestinians are betting on a bigger and broader role for Russia in the peace process.

M.H.