JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- South African President Thabo Mbeki on Monday said Mahmoud Abbas' election as the new Palestinian Authority chairman would help push forward the stagnant peace process in the Middle East.

    "I believe that this electoral mandate will contribute to the creation of conditions conducive to the resumption of the peace process and the implementation of the roadmap," Mbeki said in a congratulatory statement issued through South Africa's foreign ministry.

    "The South African government and its people joins the international community in commending the Palestinian people for conducting the presidential elections in a dignified and democratic manner under the difficult and unique ircumstances of ongoing Israeli occupation," he said.

    Mbeki reaffirmed South Africa's support and commitment to the goals of "assisting the establishment of a sovereign Palestine, living side by side with Israel, within secure borders."

    "We call on the international community to support the peace process and encourage an end to the current impasse between Israel and Palestine," he said.

    Abbas, chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, was elected president with more than 62 percent of the votes cast on Sunday.

    He is expected to be sworn in as head of the Palestinian Authority at a session of parliament on Wednesday. Enditem