During his meeting with the Italian President; Abbas extends hand for peace

Friday November 28, 2008 00:08 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, stated on Thursday during a meeting with the Italian President, in Bethlehem, that the Palestinians want an end to the Israeli attacks, invasions and settlements, and that they extend their hands for real and comprehensive peace.

Abbas and the Italian President Napolitano

Abbas said that the Israeli invasions, roadblocks and settlements obstruct the peace process and the daily lives of the Palestinian people.

“The Israeli assaults should come to an end”, Abbas said, “This should happen so as a Palestinian state can live in peace next to Israel, otherwise violence is the alternative”.

He also called on the new US administration to continue the efforts of the old administration in order to achieve peace in the region.

Abbas added that only negotiations can lead to a solution and that the Palestinians are extending their hands for peace.

He further said that the Palestinian security forces managed to achieve stability in Bethlehem which encouraged tourism as nearly one million tourists visited the area this year.

Abbas denounced the unfortunate and tragic incidents in India and said that the victims are from different nationalities, including Italians.

The president commented on the Wednesday meeting of the Arab Foreign Ministers, held in Cairo, and welcomed their decision to resume the efforts for a Palestinian dialogue that would put an end to the internal divisions.

He also said that the Arab Peace Initiative was met with positive attitude by the Israeli society and was published by several Israeli news agency.

“There are 75 Muslim countries that are willing to normalize with Israel in return to a full Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories”, Abbas said, “this initiative is one of the most valued offers for a solution in the Middle East”.

Meanwhile, the Italian President, Giorgio Napolitano, said that his visit to Palestine is part of the Italian support to the Palestinian cause and added that Italy will continue its support to the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.

Napolitano added that the positions expressed by Abbas are moderate and show willingness for serious talks with Israel in order to achieve peace.

At the end of the conference, Abbas thanked the Italian president and the Italian people for their support to the Palestinian people, and added that the European Union, and Italy, play an important role, not only on the economic level but also on the political level and the efforts to achieve peace in the region.

bethlehem | international politics | news report saed at imemc dot org