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Palestinian presidential
candidate Mahmoud Abbas waves to people during an election campaign, in
the West Bank city of Nablus, Jan 06, 2005. Abbas said Thursday he
believes that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is a partner for peace
negotiations, while calling for immediate resumption of talks.
(Xinhua/Reuters photo)
Palestinian presidential
candidate Mahmoud Abbas waves to people during an election campaign, in
the West Bank city of Nablus, Jan 06, 2005. (Xinhua/Reuters
photo)
A Palestinian
woman walked by an election banner in eastern Jerusalem,, Jan 06, 2005.
(Xinhua/Reuters photo)
A banner for
election was hung before a mosque in eastern Jerusalem, Jan. 06, 2005.
(Xinhua/Reuters
photo)
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RAMALLAH, Jan. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestine Liberation
Organization chairman Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday he believes that Israeli Prime
Minister Ariel Sharon is a partner for peace negotiations, while calling for
immediate resumption of talks.
Abbas, who is campaigning for Sunday's presidential elections in
the West Bank city of Nablus, said "I can't say he (Sharon) is not a partner",
when answering questions of journalists.
"Sharon was elected by his Israeli people and I can't say that
he is not a peace partner. If he (Sharon) is serious or not serious, the renewed
talks between us would reveal that," said
Abbas.
He expressed readiness to hold talks with Israel based on the
roadmap plan for peace in the Middle East right after Sunday's presidential
elections, adding "after the elections, for sure I
will start negotiating
with the Israelis."
"We have to put on the negotiation table the roadmap plan and
tell the Israelis we are ready to implement its text and its spirit," said
Abbas.
In relation to the Palestinian elections, Abbas said "they
talked about pullout three days before and after the elections, and we are
calling for a complete permanent Israeli army withdrawal from the occupied
territories."
Abbas renewed his pledge to protect the Palestinian militants
who are wanted by Israel, adding "they are part of our people and we are
committed to bring them a good life."
Abbas revealed that he had this agreement when he met with
Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, when Abbas was the prime minister for 100
days for the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).
"There is an agreement reached with Mofaz when I was a prime
minister," said Abbas, adding Israel would stop arresting wanted militants as
well as assassination and the Israeli army would pull out from the Palestinian
cities.
In accordance with the deal reached about one year and a half
ago, militants should end their attacks on Israel. "This is
what I'm seeking to achieve after the Jan. 9th elections," said Abbas, adding
that "we have no military equivalence with Israel therefore the peaceful
solution is more beneficial," said Abbas.
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