Russia did not play a major role in the peace process or the Palestine issue this quarter, generally limiting its involvement to the Quartet. The Arab League’s call (2/12) for an international conference to discuss the Palestinian issue (see “Regional Affairs” above) raised some speculation that Russia’s longstanding offer to host an international peace conference might be revived, but there was no follow-up.
Of note: After a failed UNSC meeting on 12/20 to discuss recent Israeli settlement authorizations and the stalled peace process (see “United Nations” below), Russian amb. to the UN Vitaly Churkin made an especially strong statement denouncing the U.S. (though not by name) for blocking a UN statement calling on Israel to halt all settlement construction as a step toward reviving peace talks. He accused “one delegation” of believing that things would “miraculously” sort themselves out on their own, adding that without international pressure on Israel to halt settlement expansion, the Palestinians would never get a fair deal in negotiations.