"[Palestine] is actively working to reach the reconciliation with Israel. As you know, negotiations between Palestine and Israel are underway, and therefore 'private' contacts with the Israelis on the issues of security in the Area A [under control of the Palestine Authority in the West Bank] are on the agenda," Abbas said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Palestinians seek recognition of their independent state, proclaimed in 1988, on the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government refuses to recognize Palestine as an independent political and diplomatic entity, and builds settlements on the occupied areas.
Palestine, as an independent state, is recognized by 136 of the 193 UN member states, including Russia.
