This is new to me, and very interesting....

Russia recognizes Palestine as a state. Who knew?

In Jericho, Russian president says Moscow has not changed its position since 1988 when it 'recognized independent Palestinian state with its capital in east Jerusalem'

Elior Levy |Last update: 18.01.11 , 16:36

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday Moscow had recognized an independent Palestinian state in 1988 and was not changing that position adopted by the former Soviet Union.

But on his first visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank as Russian head of state, Medvedev stopped short of making a ringing declaration of recognition of Palestinian statehood by the Russian Federation that he represents.

At a news conference with Medvedev in Jericho, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said: "We remember that Russia was one of the first states in the world to recognize the state of Palestine in 1988."

Medvedev responded, saying: "Russia made its choice a long time ago ...we supported and will support the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to an independent state with its capital in east Jerusalem."

The Soviet Union recognized a Palestinian state in 1988, after it was declared by the late Yasser Arafat in a move that won broad support in the Communist bloc and Third World but had little real impact on diplomatic and political realities.

Medvedev also expressed his willingness to take on a greater role in the peace process. "Everyone - the Palestinians and Israelis - will benefit from the establishment of a Palestinian state. The region will benefit all the Middle East nations will benefit. This is the goal we should aspire to," he said.

*more at link...https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4015504,00.html