By NNN-KUNA
Moscow : Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has arrived here for on a three-day visit for talks with Russian officials on ways of pushing forward the peace process in the Middle East.
Abbas is due to meet President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss developments in the Palestinian territories.
Abbas, speaking to reporters on his arrival Sunday, said he was ready to discuss a US proposal to hold an international conference on the Middle East and to know the Russian views over the matter.
Abbas, commenting on news reports, said he did not personally receive a proposal from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to establish a Palestinian state over 90 per cent of the Palestinian lands.
On the Russian contacts with Hamas, Abbas said this issue was a Russian affair and it was Moscow which decides whether to establish contacts with the Islamic movement or not.
Lavrov talked with Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mishal two days ago and called for the unification of ranks of the Palestinians.