ABBAS APPLAUDS JAPAN'S ROLE IN PEACE PROCESS

Photo: Ma'an News Agency — **President Mahmoud Abbas applauds Japan’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.** (Photo: Ma’an)

Ramallah, 30 Rabi’ul Awwal 1436/21 January 2015 (MINA) – President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday Applauded Japan’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

In a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shenzo Abe, Abbas welcomed Shenzo and expressed solidarity with Japan as he condemned the kidnapping of two Japanese citizens by the Islamic State militant group.

Abbas also thanked Japan for its role in enhancing peace opportunities in the Middle East, Ma’an News Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Palestinians will never forget Japan’s support for Palestine, which started when it aided Palestinian refugees and continued after the Oslo Accords, Abbas said.

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Abbas said he had updated the Japanese PM on the latest political developments and the plan by Arab foreign ministers to garner political support for a new UN draft resolution calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.

The Japanese PM pledged a $100 million to contribute to Gaza reconstruction.

Abe added that he hoped Palestine and Israel would be able to live in peace and that his country would continue to support peace based on a two-state solution. (T/P010/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)