Hamas chief in Moscow for Palestinian govt talks

MOSCOW, Feb 26 (Reuters) Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal today arrived in Moscow for talks aimed at capitalising on differences among the Quartet of West Asia negotiators over how to deal with the Palestinian government.

''Our goal is to encourage the international community to start cooperation with the Palestinian government and pressurise Israel to recognise the Palestinian state's right to exist,'' RIA Novosti news agency quoted him as saying.

''We value Russia's position towards lifting the blockade from which the Palestinian people suffer. We also value Russia's special position in the issues of the West Asia settlement.'' Russia takes a softer line on the Islamist Hamas than the United States and the European Union, which along with the United Nations make up the Quartet.

The West is boycotting Hamas and the government it formed after an election victory last year, demanding it recognises Israel, renounces violence and accepts interim peace deals.

Earlier this month, Hamas and the rival Fatah faction led by moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas agreed to form a unity government hoping to end the international boycott and factional fighting.

But the Quartet failed to work out a common stand on the unity government at a meeting last week.

Russia wants the Quartet to back the coalition deal, while the Western governments have adopted a wait-and-see approach.

Moscow is the last leg of Meshaal's tour, which included Egypt and Iran.

He is to hold meetings in the Russian foreign ministry, but there were no other details available. It was unclear if he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. It is believed he will be in Moscow for at least two days.

Meshaal visited Moscow last year. The Russian invitation, defying a Western boycott on direct talks with the radical group, provoked a storm of protest from Israel and Washington.

His second visit comes amid Russia's efforts to step up its role in the West Asia. Earlier this month Putin met Abbas in Jordan and last week discussed regional issues with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert by telephone.

REUTERS SHB BST1408