Will Russia recognize Palestine’s independence?

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reaffirmed Russia's endorsement of an independent Palestinian state during talks with King Abdullah II in Jordan.

The visit to Jordan follows the Russian leader's talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank on Jan. 18. Medvedev told Abbas the Soviet Union had recognized the state in 1988 and that "Russia's position remains unchanged."

"The final goal is the creation of a modern independent Palestinian state with the capital in East Jerusalem," Medvedev said during talks with King Abdullah II. "I told our Palestinian partners about this."

He said Russia will continue to be "one of the co-sponsors" of Middle East peace efforts.

King Abdullah lent support to the Palestinian cause, saying it is "vitally important" to the stability in the Middle East.

Medvedev praised Russia's relations with Jordan and expressed the hope for further cooperation.

King Abdullah said his country wants to step up energy cooperation with Russia. Earlier this week, Medvedev's aide Sergei Prikhodko said Russia is interested in helping Jordan build its first nuclear power plant, RIA Novosti reported.

Direct talks between the Israelis and Palestinians, which resumed last September after a 20-month standoff, collapsed in December after Israel refused to stop construction in the occupied West Bank.

The Quartet, made up of Russia, the United States, the United Nations and the European Union, will meet next month to discuss the peace efforts.