Abbas urges Israel to start talks with Palestine

Moscow, May 15 (UNI) Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas today urged Israel to start talks with Palestine, in line with the Road Map, worked out by the ''Quartet'' which includes Russia, US, EU and UN.

''We believe the new Israeli government will start negotiations with Palestine because we are their partner and believe in a settlement in the region,'' Mr Abbas said at the talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, in southern Russia.

''We believe in the effectiveness of the Road Map, because it opens the main, if not only, road to a settlement,'' Interfax news agency quoted Mr Abbas as saying.

''We expect the new Israeli government to join negotiations with us, as we are partners and believe in a peaceful resolution,'' he stressed adding ''The only way is through negotiations that will lead to resolution of the conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis.'' Earlier, welcoming Mr Abbas, the Russian President said he was glad to discuss issues that Russia could help resolve.

''I know that you are making great efforts to normalise the situation on your territories and to form a favourable background for normal and consistent development,'' he said.

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