Russia supports Abbas as true Palestinian leader : Putin

Moscow, July 31 (UNI) President Vladimir Putin today said Russia supports Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as the legitimate leader of Palestine.

''I am sure, you will do everything in order to restore the unity of the Palestinian people,'' Putin said during his talks with Abbas in Kremlin.

''We all know what hard times you and the Palestinian people are having now,'' he said.

''We consistently advocate the legitimate interests of the Palestinian people, upto the establishment of the Palestinian state,'' Putin added.

''I would like to assure you, we will support you as a legitimate leader of the Palestinian people,'' he assured.

Abbas had arrived in Moscow on Sunday to seek Russia's support in his feud with the rival radical Islamic faction Hamas for control over Palestinian territories.

UNI