RAMALLAH, May 29 (Xinhuanet) -- The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) strongly criticized Israel's step of closing registration offices in East Jerusalem, a Palestinian daily reported Sunday.

    Rafiq Husseini, head of Palestinian President's Office, was quoted as saying that closing the registration offices in East Jerusalem obstructs the democratic process as there are 250,000 citizens in the Holy City and they are a basic pillar in the electoral registration process.

    Husseini said the Israeli move violates the Oslo Accords and all agreements between the Palestinian and Israeli sides which explained the nature of dealing with East Jerusalem.

    Al-Husseini said the PNA will submit a complaint against the unacceptable Israeli measure and will demand all international parties exert pressure on the Israeli government to remove its closure decision.

    Meanwhile, Al-Husseini said the statement of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Jerusalem as eternal capital of Israel is totally rejected.

    If "Sharon means West Jerusalem, we have no problem with that, but if he means East Jerusalem, which is the capital of the state of Palestine, we reject it," he explained. Enditem