Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, right, hold a joint media briefing following their meeting in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his Palestinian counterpart Tuesday for what he said was a "responsible" position in negotiations with Israel, frozen for nearly four years, and said Russia has no problem recognizing a Palestinian state. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi)