‘If we expect chairman Abbas to fight terrorism effectively, he can’t do it with slingshots and stones,’ Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
Putin was making a reference to Israel’s dismissal of his proposal to provide the Palestinian Authority security forces with 50 armored carriers.
‘We will provide the Palestinian leadership with technical help, supplies of equipment and training of personnel,’ Putin added.
Putin meets Abbas, places wreath at Arafat’s tomb
Speaking at a joint news conference in Ramallah with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Putin said Friday his country would help rebuild Palestinian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.
Despite Israeli objections, Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to go ahead with efforts to arm Palestinian security forces, Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister Nabil Sha’ath told Saudi newspaper Al Watan.
Putin was meeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Friday after placing a wreath at the tomb of late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.
Russia plan to provide the Palestinian authority with 50 armored personnel carriers and two helicopters.
‘I think I can say the choppers are a done deal, but about the vehicles, we still don’t have a clear-cut answer from the Israelis,’ Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said.
Israeli is unlikely to approve the armored vehicles deal.
Earlier on Friday, an Israeli official source said Israel needs to see further steps taken by the PA before allowing the strengthening of PA’s security forces.
‘First let’s see some steps toward peace and then it will be possible to strengthen the Palestinian security forces,’ the source said.
‘The entry of any weapons to the territories requires our agreement and we do not want to see armored vehicles pitted against us.’ The source added.
