Last on 9 February, President Vladimir Putin said he would invite Hamas leaders for discussions, following their victory in Palestinian legislative elections. Russian and Hamas officials say the talks could take place before the end of the month.
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said today the invitation is "misplaced" and "superfluous."
The new Palestinian parliament is to be sworn in on 16 February and Hamas expects to form a new cabinet within weeks.
(AFP, AP)
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