Source: The Jerusalem Post
Dec 03, 2007
Just as it did after the Madrid conference, which it co-hosted with the United States in 1991, Russia moved quickly last week to ensure that it will be in line to host the first post-Annapolis conference.
This is according to an official at the Russian embassy in Washington DC.
While a date for the follow up event was not yet set, the official said he believes that Moscow will ensure an ongong leading role in developments by hosting talks that will "cover all the tracks" relating to a conclusive Israel-Arab peace agreement.
Russia is currently in the throes of an election that is believed rigged to ensure Vladimir Putin's party is returned to power with an overwhelming majority.
Putin himself is thought to be eyeing some form of power position that will enable him to keep his hands firmly on the reins of the Russian bear.