Abbas reiterates call for a just peace

Thursday November 15, 2007 18:16 by Rami Almeghari - IMEMC&Agencies

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday reiterated Palestinian willingness to achieve a just and comprehensive peace with Israel.

Plaestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

Speaking during a speech comemmorating the 19th anniversary of Palestine's Independence Day, Abbas said "we are working day and night for reaching a just solution in the upcoming conference, based on our seriousness towards freedom and independence."

Speaking of internal security, Abbas declared his desire to end Hamas rule in Gaza, stating, "we should topple the armed group [Hamas] that has taken over Gaza and continues to cause suffering to the Palestinian people in a time the Israeli siege on Gaza is getting much strict".

Abbas also had words for the Israeli government and people, asking them to support an end to the occupation, and adding that current situation in the Palestinian territories could never lead topeace and security.

Abbas's remarks came one day after Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert demanded that Palestinians recognize Israel as a 'Jewish State' as a prequisite for the commencement of final status talks in the aftermath of the Annapolis summit, a demand that angered many Palestinians who view such a concession as undermining the Palestinian right of return to historical Palestine.

ramallah | peace process | news report rami at imemc dot org