Abbas thanks Putin for financial aid

Moscow: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is in Russia to thank President Vladimir Putin for his country's assistance.

Last week an international quartet which includes Russia agreed to provide financial aid to Palestine.

International aid was suspended when the Hamas government came to power.

Palestine is facing a financial meltdown. It is has debts in excess of a $ one billion.

The $10 million Russia provided were transferred to an emergency aid account that bypasses the Hamas government.

Further aid is expected to come soon.

Western powers have demanded that Hamas recognise Israel, renounce violence and embrace existing peace deals. Hamas, thus far, has refused to do so.