Moscow backs the immediate resumption of direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine on all outstanding issues, including the status of Jerusalem, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin told his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas during a telephone exchange Tuesday, according to the Kremlin press service. Russia’s principled position is that only direct dialogue between the Israelis and Palestinians can result in a fair and long-term solution, the press service stated. The two presidents also underlined the importance of the agreement signed by Fatah and Hamas during October talks in Egypt, as it reinforces Palestinian unity.