Abbas: We Seek Negotiations Based on Two-State Solution

Santiago, MINA — President Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday said in a press conference with his Chilean counterpart Sebastian Piñera that the Palestinian side is seeking negotiations based on international resolutions and a two-state solution along the 1967 borders, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

In a speech delivered at the presidential palace in the Chilean capital of Santiago following official talks with Piñera, Abbas stressed that Jerusalem is an occupied territory since 1967, and is the capital of the state of Palestine that is open for all believers of the three religions; Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

Abbas referred to the peace plan he proposed at the United Nations Security Council and was later adopted by the latest Arab summit in Saudi Arabia.

The plan calls for holding an international peace conference that is based on international resolutions, the formation of a multilateral international mechanism that aids the two sides in negotiations to solve all permanent status issues according to the Oslo Accords, and achieve admission to full membership in the United Nations.

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Abbas reiterated his respect for the Jewish faith and offered his sympathy to the families of the victims of the Holocaust; which he considered as one of the worst crimes against humanity.

“I am at the same time still looking forward to the day when the suffering of the six million Palestinians who have been living for 70 years as refugees in many countries across the world, would end in accordance with the Arab peace initiative, and the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194, in order to achieve peace, security, and stability in the region.”

Abbas briefed Piñera on the latest political developments in the region, particularly the US administration’s decisions on Jerusalem, as well as on his comprehensive peace plan proposed at the UN Security Council.

They further discussed various issues of common interest, historical relations between both countries and ways to promote them in all fields.

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Abbas thanked his counterpart for his country’s noble support for the cause of the Palestinian people in all international forums.

The meeting was followed by another expanded meeting attended by delegations from both countries.

Attending the meeting on the Palestinian side are Riyad Malki, Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs, Ziad Abu Amr, deputy prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud al-Habash, Minister of Religious Affairs, Majdi al-Khalidi, Presidential Adviser for Diplomatic Affairs, and PLO Ambassador to Chile, Imad Nabil Jada’a.

Abbas started on Sunday a state visit to three Latin American countries to garner support for the Palestinian cause. (T/RS5/RS1)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)