Russia backs Fatah, Hamas unity drive

Russia supports the reconciliation talks between Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah aimed at formation of a national unity government.

"Moscow sees the confirmation of Fatah and Hamas' aspiration for the resumption of Palestinian unity as an important move worth backing," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The statement was issued a day after the groups agreed to resume direct reconciliation talks in April in a bid to form a new national unity government.

The ministry's statement echoed a similar pledge of support for the talks on the part of the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who, during his recent Mideast trip, said "the absence of Palestinian unity prevents steps toward peace in the region".