Palestinian Authority Leader Mahmoud Abbas (L) is welcomed by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso ahead of talks at the EC headquarters in Brussels, March 2, 2005. (Photo: Xinhua/AFP)

Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas (R) and EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana give a press conferee at the EU Headquarters in Brussels. Abbas vowed to create an independent Palestine as quickly as possible.(Photo: Xinhua/AFP)

European Commission (EC) President Jose Manuel Barroso (R) attends the press conference with visiting Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas at the European Union (EU) headquarters in Brussels, capital of Belgium, March 2, 2005. It was the first visit of Abbas to EU since his inauguration early this year. (Xinhua Photo)

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas answers questions at the press conference at the European Union (EU) headquarters in Brussels, capital of Belgium, March 2, 2005. (Xinhua Photo)

    BEIJING, Mar. 3 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he's optimistic Palestinians and Israelis can take advantage of a "new era of peace and hope" to reach a final peace deal. Abbas made the remark during his first visit to EU headquarters as the Palestinian Authority's new leader. He was there on Wednesday to drum up support from the 25-nation bloc for his reforms to prepare for statehood.

    The Palestinian leader reiterated he's serious in implementing reforms to rein in militants.

    Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said, "Now we're talking about a new era of peace and hope and I hope that this support from European Union will continue and that the projects that this support is directed to will continue, will be maintained and will not be destroyed."

    European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told Abbas the Commission is seeking commitments from Israelis to ensure building projects funded by the EU were no longer targeted. The EU is providing some 330 million US dollars in funding this year to the Palestinian Authority.

    In earlier talks with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, Abbas said he wanted Palestinian statehood "as soon as possible." Solana reaffirmed the EU commitment.

    EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana said, "The president can be assured that the European Union is going to be behind the Palestinian people for the realisation of their dream. The dream is clear: to have one state and a state that can live together in peace with the neighbouring states, with Israel and with the other countries around the Palestinians, and they can have a prosperous state. It's a country and a people who have suffered a lot."

    Abbas flew to Brussels after attending an international conference on the Middle East in London. He ended his visit on Wednesday with a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. The two discussed the conclusions of the London summit and economic assistance for Palestinians.

(Source: CCTV.com)