BEIJING, Jan. 8 -- Former US President Jimmy Carter has voiced the hope that the Palestinians will establish a government committed to the peace process this year.

    He said this during a meeting with Israeli President Moshe Katsav in Jerusalem.

    Nobel Peace Prize winner Carter, who heads the team of
observers monitoring the Sunday Palestinian election, said Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's commitment to withdrawal from Gaza and some settlements in the West Bank is a major step in the right direction.

    He perceived an open, fair and peaceful election process and a demonstration of the ability to act responsibly and conduct trustworthy negotiations with Israel in the future.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)