Dmitry Medvedev backs independence of Palestinian state
Dmitry Medvedev of Russia reiterated Russia’s endorsement of an independent Palestinian state, amid mounting concern in Israel over a push for wider international recognition.
The Russian president, on a visit to the West Bank, stopped short of explicitly recognizing a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders but repeated the position the then Soviet Union adopted in 1988.
"Russia's position remains unchanged," he said. "Russia made its choice a long time ago ... We supported and we will support the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to an independent state with its capital in East Jerusalem."
His comments will boost a Palestinian drive to win recognition of a state based on all territory in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem occupied by Israel in 1967.