Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, Dec. 18

RAMALLAH -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday that the Palestinians will return to the UN to seek full membership for the state of Palestine, in response to the U.S. decision on Jerusalem.

In opening remarks to the Palestinian leadership meeting Monday evening, Abbas once again rejected the U.S. mediation of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, while announcing a series of counter measures against U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. (Palestine-U.S.)

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DAMASCUS -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Monday that Russia will be an important partner in the reconstruction process in Syria, the state news agency reported.

Syria will start reconstruction process as the situation in the country has become more and more stable thanks to the military help of Russia, the report said. (Syria-Russia)

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RAMALLAH -- The Palestinian leadership is seeking multilateral sponsorship for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process without the U.S. role following the recent U.S. move on Jerusalem, a senior aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday.

Nabil Shaath, Abbas' foreign relations advisor, made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua. (Palestine-U.S.)

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ANKARA -- Shopping malls in Turkey's big cities usually decorate the shops with Christmas trees to attract customers in December, but the Christmas holiday is increasingly marred by conservative Muslims who argue that celebrating a Christian festival is "contrary to Islamic culture." (Turkey-Christmas) Enditem