Russia expects Hamas to make move on demands

Russia’s foreign minister said he expects the Palestinian group Hamas to move closer to meeting international demands within two weeks – including setting up foreign aid monitoring and recognising Israel, according to a newspaper interview published today.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was quoted as saying by the Vremya Novostei daily that during its recent visit to Moscow, a delegation led by Hamas political chief Khaled Mashaal promised to consider recognising the so-called road map for a Mideast peace settlement.