GAZA, March 8 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday night denied allegations that he expected Israeli acting prime minister Ehud Olmert to win in the upcoming general elections.

    Abbas office in Gaza said in an official statement that his comments may have been misinterpreted when asked a question regarding the predicted win of Olmert's centrist Kadima party.Abbas responded by saying:

    "We respect the will of the Israeli people. If it will be that Mr. Olmert wins, I know him well and I believe that it is possible to work with him. Shimon Peres, number two in Kadima, is an old friend of mine. We signed the Oslo agreement together. In short,we hope that the one who really wants peace and intends to restart the negotiations win."

    Abbas urged Israel not to persist with unilateral measures instead of a negotiated solution.

    "Israeli policy greatly concerns me. Security for both Palestinians and Israelis will only come through an agreed peace.Israeli unilateralism is destroying the two-state solution while disenfranchising millions of Israelis and Palestinians who want a negotiated agreement now," said the statement. Enditem