LOC15:20
12:20 GMT
MANAMA, Feb (KUNA) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas left Manama on
Wednesday following a two-day official visit that came as part of his tour of
Arab countries.
He was bid farewell by Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Mubarak al
Khalifa, ministers, senior military officers, the Muharraq governor and
Palestinian ambassador to Bahrain.
During his visit, Abbas held talks with the kingdom's leadership on
bilateral ties, the latest developments in Palestine and Arab and
international issues of mutual concern.
At a press conference, the Palestinian president hailed the fruitful
results of his talks with King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa that tackled the
Palestinian issue, results of the Annapolis conference and the Paris
conference and the political process and current negotiations between the
Palestinian and Israeli sides.
the talks also covered the internal Palestinian situation and ties with
Hamas.
Abbas said that he also reviewed the economic and security situation in the
Palestinian territories besides covering Arab affairs and the expectations
from the next Arab summit.
He thanked the king, government and the people of Bahrain for their
constant support to the Palestinian people.
Abbas also affirmed the strong historical ties linking Bahrain with the
Palestinian cause, underlining that Bahrain had supported the issue from the
beginning.
Regarding the economic situation in the Palestinian territories, Abbas said
he had presented an economic plan at the Paris conference attended by 90
countries and said that on its basis funds were offered to support the
Palestinian authority for three years.
He said that discussions were now being held with the countries concerned
on how to distribute these funds, set up projects and boost the Palestinian
national authority budget.
He added that talking with Hamas locally or internationally was not
important, adding that what was most significant was to talk with the
leadership and try to obtain positive results that satisfy the Palestinian
people.
Referring to the Israeli escalation of activities, Abbas said Israel had
always sought escalation for building settlements or to ignore its commitments.
Abbas said under a new policy every official or leading figure in the
Palestinian national authority will be tried for any corruption. (end)
aam.bz.
KUNA 131520 Feb 08NNNN