RUSSIA WILL SHUN HAMAS

FINALLY, A LITTLE GOOD NEWS FROM PUTIN: Russia announces intentions to downgrade ties with Hamas

Russia intends to downgrade its ties to Hamas, and no high-level contacts are planned for the near future, Russia's deputy foreign minister said Tuesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told visiting Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday that he is the legitimate leader of all Palestinians, Russian news agencies reported.

"I want to assure you that Russia will support you as the legitimate leader of the Palestinian people. I am convinced that you will do everything to restore the unity of the Palestinian people," Putin was quoted by ITAR-Tass and Interfax as telling Abbas during his visit to Moscow.

WE MUST REMAIN GRATEFUL FOR LITTLE THINGS.