Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 18 voiced his support for restoring the “Middle East Quartet” format – including the US, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia – to resolve the Palestine-Israel conflict and said that this model could be expanded.
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| Russian President Vladimir Putin meets international reporters ahead of the BRICS Summit, October 22-24. (Source: Anadolu Agency) |
At a press conference from the BRICS countries, President Putin blamed the US for the "Middle East Quartet" no longer operating.
According to him, it is necessary to expand this format “to talk about how to restore the (Palestinian) territories, how to bring people back”.
The Russian leader is confident that Israel understands that the Palestinians will not leave their land. Besides, Russia is maintaining contacts with both the Israeli and Palestinian sides.
President Putin reiterated the traditional position since Soviet times that “the main way to resolve the Palestinian issue is the establishment of a full-fledged Palestinian state.”
Russia also mentioned the Middle East Quartet in January 2023. At that time, Russian Foreign Ministry Special Envoy for the Middle East Vladimir Safronkov stated that Russia was ready to continue cooperation within the Middle East Quartet despite the US decision to end its participation in this format.
The Middle East Quartet was formed in 2002 to step up efforts to promote peace in the troubled region.
Also at a meeting on October 18 with international reporters ahead of the BRICS Summit from October 22-24 in the central Russian city of Kazan, President Putin said he wants to build BRICS ++, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - as a strong counterweight to the West in global politics and trade.
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