Russia backs Abbas as PNA's legitimate leader : Lavrov

Moscow, July 30 (UNI) Russia today gave strong backing to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as a legitimate leader of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).

Abbas is on a three-day visit to Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin and other senior level Russian leaders.

''We strongly support you as a legitimate leader of all Palestinians,'' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting with Abbas.

Abbas's meeting with Mr Putin, scheduled on July 31, would allow Russia to outline ways of further interaction in bilateral relations and on the West Asia settlement problem, Itar-Tass news agency quoted Lavrov as saying.

He added that Moscow appreciated the desire of the Palestinian leadership to continue dialogue with Russia, including on issues such as the West Asia peace process and the restoration of Palestinian unity.

Lavrov said the current visit would enable both the sides to map out concrete steps in Russia's assistance to the PNA.

Abbas said both the nations had a number of important issues to discuss on the agenda, including an urgent situation in Palestine, the unity of the Palestinian people, the peaceful process in the West Asia and an international peace conference.

Abbas said he was interested in securing support from Moscow because both the countries enjoyed close ties, which had wielded substantial influence in the world affairs.

UNI