In a statement made by the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Russian government welcomed the Palestinian national unity and reconciliation agreement which includes forming a transitional government run by technocrats.The statement said that the new government will be focusing on two essential issues; maintaining the daily lives of the residents, and preparing for new general elections that would be held within a year.
As for Palestinian-Israeli talks, Russia said that such issues will be maintained by Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, who also heads the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).
Moscow considered the agreement as the outcome of relentless efforts carried out by Egypt, Russia and several countries that held talks with different parties in Palestine, the Arab world and in Europe.
It also said that all obstacles need to be removed in order to maintain this unity and to conduct democratic elections before resuming the peace process based on the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy.
Furthermore, Moscow stated that all efforts must be conducted to ensure a viable, and a geographically contiguous Palestinian state living in peace and security next to Israel.
France and Britain expressed indications that they would recognize a Palestinian state unilaterally declared by the Palestinians should peace talks with Israel fail to advance by September.
Britain and France are strong supporters of Israel, and their recognition of a Palestinian state could have serious implications regarding their relationships with Israel. Yet, France believes that the Palestinians must recognize Israel as a Jewish State.
Among other countries, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil and Chile have recognized the Palestinian state, and have called on the United Nations to do the same.
