Russia Grabs Mideast Peace Initiative From U.S. With Talks Offer
- Moscow proposes meeting of Quartet mediators and Arab states
- Palestinians open to joining Russian-brokered negotiations
Palestinian protesters demonstrate in Gaza City on Feb. 11.
Photographer: Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Russia is bidding to rescue the collapsing Israel-Palestinian peace process with a proposal for a meeting of major foreign and Middle Eastern powers.
Russia is in contact with the U.S., European Union and United Nations to organize a meeting soon of their Quartet of Middle East peace mediators, with the possible involvement of the Arab League and Arab states, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday in a website statement. It’s also been in communication with Israel and the Palestinians.