ABBAS WELCOMES ARAB LEAGUE’S PROPOSAL

Sharm El-Sheikh, 9 Jumadil Akhir 1436/29 March 2015 (MINA) – President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed Saturday the Arab League’s proposal to introduce the US Congress to the Arabs’ vision to solve the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Addressing Arab leaders convening at the Arab summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Abbas recommended introducing the European Union (EU) and other UN organizations to the Arab’s vision to solve the Arab-Israeli conflict as well as the Arab Peace Initiative.

Abbas warned about a dangerous Israeli scheme calling for the creation of a Palestinian state only in Gaza, granting the Palestinians self-government across the West Bank and reaching a 15-year-long truce while consolidating Israeli sovereignty on East Jerusalem.

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Abbas noted that this scheme is aimed at undermining the Palestinian national project and excluding the issues of Jerusalem and Palestinian refugees and called Arab leaders to oppose and recriminate it, WAFA Palestinian News Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Abbas affirmed his determination to bring about reconciliation and to hold parliamentary and presidential elections as soon as possible in accordance with the Doha and Cairo agreements.

He highlighted the national consensus government’s ongoing efforts to assume its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, especially with regard to Gaza reconstruction, despite all obstacles and challenges.

Abbas also tackled the Israeli settlement construction in East Jerusalem, noting that Israel is racing against time to Judaize the city.

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He reiterated that in the wake of the UN Security Council’s failure to pass a resolution setting a deadline for Israeli occupation and establishment of Palestinian state, the Palestinian leadership has been compelled to re-evaluate its relations with Israel, joining UN organizations, especially the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Abbas called on Arabs and Muslims to visit Jerusalem in order to safeguard its holy places and reinforce the steadfastness of its people.

He expressed hope that the Arab states would activate the Arab financial safety net and honor their financial pledges.

The annual two-day Arab League summit kicked off Saturday as Arab leaders discussed plans to form a joint Arab military force against the backdrop of Saudi-led coalition’s airstrikes on the Houthis in Yemen.

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Arab leaders reaffirmed their support for the establishment of Palestinian state as well as the Arab Peace Initiative for achieving a peaceful solution for the Arab-Israeli conflict.(T/R05/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)