Palestinian newspapers are hopeful Russian President Vladimir Putin's historic visit to the Palestinian territories will boost the peace process. Some feel Russia should be providing a counter-weight to US influence in the region.

But there's plenty of flak for Mr Putin in the Israeli press, after Israel bristled at Moscow's missile sales to Syria and brushed off a proposed Middle East conference in Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the region... is steady proof of Russia's interest in playing a major role in the peace process... Undoubtedly, the visit will contribute to enhancing the Russian role in the peace process and strengthening the relationship with an Arab world that is trying to look for international balance in an age of a single dominating superpower.

Palestinian al-Quds, editorial

We say to Putin and his policy: "Welcome to a country whose people still suffer from the occupation's injustice and that of the US monopoly over deciding the world's destiny"... We are full of hope that Russia will return to be the second pole in the world and help get rid of injustice and oppression.

Palestinian al-Quds, commentary by Muhammad al-Nubani

Russia, dreamy Russia that always dreamt of access to warm waters, knows that its dream can materialize through a balance of interests with the United States and a Russian role in cooling down hotspots. Welcome to President Putin, a friend amongst Palestinian friends.

Palestinian al-Ayyam, commentary by Hasan al-Batal

Poor Russian President Putin, his reform ideas and statements go unheard in the Arab world... Had he been rich and strong, Arab leaders would have listened to his words even before he had uttered them.

Palestinian al-Ayyam, commentary by Jawad al-Bashiti

Sharon does not attach much importance to the Russian-Syrian arms deal; Israel and America sell weapons to almost anyone who wants them. He only fears that the missiles reaching Damascus would be passed on to terrorist organisations. Putin promised Sharon that Russia would see to it that this would not happen...

Since the foundation of the state Russian-Israeli relations have been full of suspicions and hostility. Putin's visit is liable to mark a new start in the relations.

Israel's Yediot Aharonot, commentary by Shimon Schiffer

Even a thick layer of ceremoniousness and talk of making history yesterday could not hide Russian President Vladimir Putin's sarcasm and cynicism... When asked about the possibility of nuclear co-operation with Israel, similar to Russia's co-operation with Iran, Putin said: "We are willing to have atomic co-operation for the sake of peace, but it does not seem to me that Israel needs help with its nuclear programme."

Israel's Haaretz, commentary by Yossi Melman

Not only did the Russian not take moral responsibility for the pogroms, he is even knowingly and deliberately endangering the thing most precious to Jewish survivors: El Al flights... But wait a minute, we almost forgot the "political achievements" of the visit, which are also typical: a condemnation of anti-Semitism and a rejection of the despicable attempt by the guest to propose a peace plan.

Israel's Haaretz, commentary by Doron Rosenblum

Both Sharon and President Moshe Katzav greeted Putin at their offices on Thursday as a "friend" of Israel. That may very well be true, but as the public disagreement over the missile sale and the peace conference have indicated, friends often have interests that collide. What Putin's visit made clear is that despite the smiles, handshakes and cosy atmosphere, this is the course on which the two countries interests are increasingly headed.

Israel's Jerusalem Post, commentary by Herb Keinon

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