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Report: Palestinian territories -

Article published the Tuesday 26 June 2012 - Latest update : Tuesday 26 June 2012

Syria potential thorny issue as Putin meets Abbas

Mahmoud Abbas (L) and Vladimir Putin walk past an honour guard during a welcoming ceremony for Putin in Bethlehem, 26 June, 2012

Reuters/Darren Whiteside

By Ruth Michaelson in Ramallah

Syria could prove to be a difficult subject during today’s meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Vladimir Putin.

The Russian Premier is due to visit Bethlehem during his tour of Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Jordan, reportedly so that he can pray at the Church of the Nativity.

He will also meet with President Abbas to discuss strengthening Russian ties to the Palestinians.

Dossier: Gaza 2009

With Russia a key member of the Middle East Quartet, it is expected that Putin will discuss the possibility of the resumption of Peace Process talks.

However, an official from the Palestinian Authority who wished to remain anonymous, said that at present, the topic of Russian support for Syria is not officially on the schedule for discussion.

Putin’s visit is seen as an opportunity to improve Russia’s image in a region where many have criticized his country's public support of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime in Syria.