Medvedev, Abbas meet in Moscow

Mahmud Abbas (2nd R) is greeted by Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov (2nd L) upon his arrival in Grozny

MOSCOW, Dec 22 (KUNA) -- Russian president Dmitry Medvedev met on Monday with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, who is here wishing to seek support to keep the wobbling Middle East peace process on track. The two leaders discussed means of advancing bilateral relations and Medvedev described Abbas's visit to Moscow as useful and timely. Medvedev moreover expressed satisfaction at Abbas's visit to the republic of Chechneya and stressed the necessity for both Russia and the Palestine Authority to continue bilateral contacts, said Interfax news agency. Abbas on the other hand extoled in his meeting with prime minister Vladmir Putin the Russian stance vis-a-vis the Palestinian conflict and the plight of the Palestinian people. He thanked his Russian hosts for their continued economic, political, and security support of the Palestinian people, especially at the critical juncture they are currently at. Putin informed Abbas of Russia's concern for the Palestinian people and its commiseration with them during difficult times.

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