More good news on the diplomatic front - with another heavy hitter backing the rule of law in regards to Palestine.
Russia is part of the Mid-East Quartet, and so this move may indeed be more significant than the flurry other countries which have similarly recognised Palestine as an independent state (the Soviet Union did so in 1988 after the PLO recognised Israel).
From Haaretz:
..
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev endorsed a Palestinian state on Tuesday, saying Moscow had recognized independence in 1988 and was not changing the position adopted by the former Soviet Union.
Making his first visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank as Russian head of state, Medvedev stopped short of issuing a ringing declaration of recognition of Palestinian statehood by the modern Russian Federation which he represents.
"Russia's position remains unchanged. Russia made its choice a long time ago ... we supported and will support the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to an independent state with its capital in East Jerusalem," Medvedev said.
Israel has been alarmed in the past two months by a string of recognitions by Latin American states including Brazil and Argentina, which some analysts say could be a precursor to a move by the Palestinians to seek full United Nations membership if efforts to revive moribund peace negotiations fall through.
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http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-d ... e-1.337774
Cheers,
Shafique
