Russia considers inviting HAMAS to Moscow for official talks.
      
      “We have to admit that HAMAS has come to power through democratic legitimate elections and we have to respect the choice of the Palestinians,” said President Putin at a press conference during his official visit to Spain.
      
      Anyway, the solution to the Middle East crisis should be acceptable both for the Palestinian Authority, international community and Israel.
      
      "If we receive an official invitation to visit Russia, we will visit Russia," the official, Ismail Haniyeh, told reporters after Putin was quoted by the Itar-Tass.
      
      Meanwhile, a response has come from the other side of the Atlantic. The U.S. wants any government, including Russia, that meets Palestinians to stress international mediators' conditions for dealing with Hamas, a senior U.S. official said on Thursday.
      
      The top U.S. diplomat for the Middle East, David Welch, declined to comment directly on Putin's plans to invite Hamas to Moscow, but noted Russia had agreed to demand the group recognize Israel, disarm and renounce violence.
      
      SOURCE:
      REUTERS
      RIA-NOVOSTI
      ITAR-TASS