BREAKING NEWS

Jerusalem 'deeply disappointed' at Russian decision to maintain ties with Hamas

Officials in Jerusalem on Sunday expressed "deep disappointment" at Russia's intention to continue to hold ties with Hamas. Following a meeting with Khaled Masha'al in Damascus on Saturday, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he is convinced it is necessary not to cut ties with Hamas. On Sunday, officials said that the decision to meet with a top Hamas leader seems even more inappropriate when one considers that the Russian government plans to hold an international peace summit in Moscow towards the end of 2009.