RAMALLAH, April 29: Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged aid and military equipment to the Palestinians to reform, boost security and rebuild the shattered economy as he wound up a historic Middle East tour on Friday. Mr Putin, the first Kremlin leader to visit Israel and Palestinian territory, held talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank following a day of negotiations with Israeli officials and a two-day stop in Egypt. “Russia will continue to offer aid to the Palestinian Authority to implement reforms and construct a state,” Putin told a news conference. “We support the efforts of President Abbas to reform the security services and fight against terrorism.” Despite Israeli complaints that Abbas is not doing enough to crack down on militant groups, Putin confirmed that Russia would provide military training and equipment to Palestinian security forces. “We will give the Palestinian leadership technical help and deliveries of (military) equipment and training,” Putin said, promising “aviation technology” and helicopters would come first along with law enforcement training in Moscow.—AFP
