Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday reiterated his support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
"Everyone will benefit from the establishment of a Palestinian state - the Palestinians, the Israelis, the region, and all the peoples of the Middle East," Medvedev said at a news conference after talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank.
Russia will continue supporting the Palestinians' course toward building an independent state with a capital in East Jerusalem, Medvedev said.
The resumption of Israeli-Palestinian dialogue is possible provided Israel freezes its settlement activity in the Western Bank, he added.
Direct talks between the Israelis and Palestinians, which resumed last September in Washington after a 20-month hiatus, ground to a halt after Israel refused to halt construction in the occupied West Bank.
The Palestinians have said they will not return to the negotiating table unless the building of settlements, which are considered illegal under international law, is completely stopped.
JERICHO, January 18 (RIA Novosti)
