GAZA, Sept. 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas denied on Sunday that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) resolved disputes with Israel over the control of Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

    Speaking at a joint news conference with James Wolfensohn, the quartet committee's envoy to coordinate an Israeli withdrawal, Abbas said the question of Rafah crossing is the major issue that the Palestinians are busy with.

    "The Palestinian National Authority and Wolfensohn are exerting efforts to find a solution to the issue," Abbas said, adding there are several proposals to be presented to the Israeli side soon.

    It is important for the Palestinians to enjoy freedom of movement after the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, he said.

    "Such a question is always raised in our meetings with the Israelis, but until now we have not reached any agreement over it. Talks are still going on concerning all other crossings and terminals," he said.

    For his part, Wolfensohn said he was here to encourage the Israelis and the Palestinians to end their disputes on Rafah and other terminals and crossings before the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip is finalized.

    The Israeli army is expected to leave the Gaza Strip and hand over security control to the Palestinians on Sept. 15.

    However, the Israeli army will remain in Philadelphi route on the border between the strip and Egypt till the issue of Rafah terminal is resolved.

    "I have not yet met with the Israelis to learn their current positions," Wolfensohn said, adding "it is a very important topic on my agenda this week to find and to see how we can resolve these issues."

    The quartet committee comprises the United Nations, the United States, Russia and the European Union. Enditem