JERUSALEM - Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman says he feels "deep disappointment" over his Russian counterpart's meeting with the leader of the violent Islamic Hamas group.
Russia is the lone member of the international Quartet of Mideast peace makers to engage Hamas. The U.S., United Nations and European Union all say Hamas must first foreswear violence and recognize Israel.
Russia has invited Hamas leaders to Moscow for talks, including political chief Khaled Mashaal. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Mashaal Saturday in Syria.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry quoted Lieberman as saying "every meeting with Hamas pushes a peace agreement further away and legitimizes terror."
Lieberman is expected to travel to Moscow next week.
