Russian President Vladimir Putin promised Israel that Russia would not act behind Israel’s back in the midst of talks with Hamas. At the weekly cabinet meeting, Vice Premier Shimon Peres said he believes that Russia was disappointed that Hamas does not condemn attacks, but encourages terror and assassinations. Peres called on the Russian president to desist from transferring funds to the Hamas government, which “in the end goes to terrorism, and it is preferable to learn from the experience of the European Union.” Putin promised that Russia, “would not operate behind Israel’s back.” Peres also summarized his trip to Kazakhstan and his meetings with heads of state at a conference last week in Asia. The presidents of Russia, China and Kazakhstan expressed interest in the advancement of the “Valley of Peace” project initiated by Peres concerning economic investments to Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians.