As Arab ministers fly in to Washington for this week’s Annapolis conference on making peace between Israel and the Palestinians, the most notable absentee is Hamas, winner of last year’s Palestinian general election.

According to Russian sources, particularly the newspaper “Kommersant” earlier owned by Boris Berezovsky, the former Minister of CHRI FM Ahmed Zakaev has declared himself the “prime minister” of Ichkeria.

Most Palestinians are skeptical Tuesday’s Annapolis peace conference can speed the creation of a state of their own but many still hope it may lead to improvements in living conditions and security.