BEIJING, May 18 -- Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas says he will ask for direct financial aid and political support from the United States.

    Abbas told reporters in Tokyo that he will ask American President George W. Bush for economic assistance and political support at a meeting planned for later this month.

    Abbas said the US does not currently provide direct aid to Palestinians, adding his government's economic and financial institutions now have the ability to deal with direct aid.

    On Monday, the Palestinian leader held talks with Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, during which Koizumi pledged a contribution of 100 million US dollars in aid to help the Palestinians when Israel withdraws from the Gaza Strip.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)