Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov conveyed his best wishes to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as he embarks on the task of forming a new unified Palestinian government of technocrats during an inter-Palestinian meeting held in Moscow.
"We extend our sincere wishes to President Abbas and the Palestinian people for success in establishing a new cabinet. Our hope is that this government will reflect a commitment to overcoming differences and include representatives who advocate for the interests of all Palestinian constituents," stated Lavrov. His statement was released on the Russian Foreign Ministry's official website.
Addressing Abbas' decision to initiate the selection process for technocratic ministers, Lavrov expressed optimism that this approach signals a desire to inject neutrality into the domestic political arena. He also emphasized its potential to bolster inter-Palestinian dialogue, as well as upcoming meetings slated in Moscow.
"Members of our esteemed institutions, notably the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Russian Foreign Ministry, stand ready to assist you. By engaging in constructive dialogue within your Palestinian circles, progress can be achieved," affirmed the Russian foreign minister, directing his message to the event participants.
Lavrov reassured attendees that Russia's Special Representative for the Middle East and African countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Scientific Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies Vitaly Naumkin will remain committed to their efforts and provide advisory support. "We trust that the warmth of traditional Russian hospitality will foster your productive deliberations," added Lavrov.
Government formation
On February 26, President Mahmoud Abbas accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh's government. According to the WAFA news agency, Shtayyeh and his cabinet will continue in their roles until the new government is formed. Reports from Al Mayadeen suggest that Abbas's decision was influenced by pressure from certain regional actors and the United States.
The next crucial step involves achieving a national consensus encompassing all Palestinian factions, including Hamas, before finalizing the composition of the new government.
Ayman Raqab, a prominent member of Fatah, a leading faction within the Palestine Liberation Organization, disclosed to a TASS correspondent on February 21 that Palestinian movements aim to forge a comprehensive agreement on the establishment of a technocratic unified Palestinian government at the forthcoming meeting in Moscow at the end of February.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS