Hamas delegation in Moscow

The Hamas delegation led by the chairman of the political bureau of the movement Khaled Mashaal arrived in Moscow on a three day visit at the invitation of the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Prior to his meetings with the Russian leaders Mashaal criticized Israel which does not abide by the so-called Roadmap for peace plan in the Middle East.

For his part, another leading figure in the movement Muhammad Nazzal said that Hamas is persistence in reject recognizing Israel, noting this policy is not changing.

However, the Palestinian ambassador in Russia expected Hamas to reconsider its position towards Israel in the service of the Palestinians. Baker Abdul Menem added in a meeting with the Russian Tass news agency that the Hamas position is not clear concerning the recognition of Israel and its demand to end the occupation, but he expressed his conviction that the movement simultaneously may amend its position towards Israel.