Moscow ready to host intra-Palestinian talks: Foreign Ministry

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Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told Sputnik today, Thursday, that Russia is ready to host the inter-Palestinian meeting in Moscow.

Mikhail said, "I have confirmed today that if there is a desire, then we are always ready to offer a venue in Moscow for general, bilateral or trilateral meetings at the request of the Palestinians themselves."

Head of Russian Muftis' Shura Council meets Hamas head of int'l office

The head of the Russian Muftis' Shura Council, Rawi Ainuddin, received a delegation from Hamas today, Thursday. Ainuddin, in the meeting, revealed that the "Palestinian cause is not limited to the Palestinians, but concerns all Muslims, because Al-Aqsa Mosque is blessed by God." 

The meeting came after talks ended between the Hamas delegation, which was headed by Moussa Abu Marzouk, who is the head of Hamas' international relations office, along with the Russian side who was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, who is the special envoy to the Middle East for the Russian presidency, in addition to Foreign Affairs ministry officials. 

The ongoing talks bore major implications regarding the Palestine issue, in addition to regional and international matters. The atmosphere was "friendly" and "frank", according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Hamas delegation arrives in Moscow for talks

A leading delegation from the Hamas movement, at the invitation of the Russian Foreign Ministry, arrived in Moscow Wednesday morning.

Hamas' representative in Moscow told Al Mayadeen that the delegation will hold talks in the Russian Foreign Ministry with Deputy Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.

The delegation includes the leaders Fathi Hammad and Hussam Badran, in addition to the movement's representative in Moscow. According to the source, the Hamas delegation will discuss with the Russian officials the situation in occupied Al-Quds, field developments in the Palestinian arena, and the bilateral relationship between Russia and Hamas. 

The delegation will also meet with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov if his schedule permits. In addition, the delegation will hold meetings in the State Duma and the Federation Council and is also expected to meet the President of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov.

The visit to Moscow comes at a time when  Russian-Israeli relations are witnessing noticeable tension over the Russian military operation in Ukraine.

At the end of last December, a Hamas delegation made a similar visit to the capital, Moscow, and discussed with Russian officials several issues.