Russian President to make rare West Bank visit

Moscow, 18 Jan – (ANA) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is making a rare visit to the West Bank for talks with Palestinian leaders on how to revive collapsed peace process.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is seeking Russian support for a tougher stance towards Jewish settlements at the UN Security Council.

Mr Medvedev will meet Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman on Wednesday.

He had been due to go to Israel, but the plans were shelved after Israeli foreign ministry staff went on strike.

Russia has suggested that it wants to play a more active diplomatic role in the Middle East, but correspondents say there has been little to show for its efforts so far. (ANA)

FA/ANA/18 January 2011---------