Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said yesterday he would personally meet Hamas leaders when they visit Moscow on Friday — a higher level reception for the Palestinian group than many observers expected. “Talks with the Hamas delegation will take place in Moscow, and I will receive them,” he was quoted by Russian news agencies as telling reporters in Budapest of talks set for Friday.Despite Washington’s nervous reaction to the Hamas visit, successful mediation in the Middle East could boost the international prestige of President Vladimir Putin, who made the surprise invitation earlier this month. Lavrov has said Russia at the talks will tell Hamas that it must commit to seeking peace with Israel to win international acceptance — the joint position of the quartet of Middle East mediators, which also includes the United Nations, the European Union and Washington.
Israel yesterday softened criticism of the visit, which it had previously likened to “stabbing Israel in the back,” with acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert saying he believed Putin was a friend of Israel. Hamas won a surprise victory in Palestinian elections on Jan. 25. Olmert met top officials to review policy toward Russia. Russia’s move challenged Israel’s US-backed efforts to isolate Hamas unless it recognizes the Jewish state, but Olmert toned down Israel’s earlier criticism of Moscow over the talks. He said in a statement after his policy review discussions that Israel’s ties with Russia “are important and ways must be found to improve them and tighten the understanding.” Putin was a friend of Israel and would not act against Israel’s interests, Olmert added in a statement.