Israel softens Russia criticism over Hamas talks

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel backed away from strong
criticism of Russia on Tuesday just days before Hamas leaders
visit Moscow for talks opposed by the Jewish state.

Russian officials will meet leaders of Hamas on March 3 in
the wake of its Palestinian election victory, challenging
efforts by Israel and the United States to isolate the Islamist
militant group.

Interim Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met top
officials on Tuesday to discuss ties with Moscow and told them
he had got positive messages from Russian President Vladimir
Putin.

“Ties between the two countries are important and ways must
be found to improve them and tighten the understanding,” Olmert
said in a statement after the meeting.

Previously, Israeli officials have warned that the Moscow
meeting threatened peacemaking prospects and accused Russia of
“stabbing Israel in the back.”

Olmert said he believed Putin was a friend of Israel and
would not act against Israeli interests.

Russia has said it will tell Hamas, formally dedicated to
destroying the Jewish state, that it must commit to seeking
peace with Israel to win international acceptance.

That reflects the position of the international Quartet of
Middle East mediators, grouping Russia, the United Nations, the
European Union and the United States.

Hamas’s delegation will be led by Khaled Meshaal, the
group’s political leader who lives in exile in Damascus. It was
unclear at what level the talks would be held.