By Jamal Yeli
(with photos) KUWAIT, Nov 3 (KUNA) -- Visiting Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas lauded on Wednesday Palestinian-Kuwaiti relations as "firm", speaking highly of Kuwait's unlimited support for the Palestinian people.
Interviewed by KUNA, Abbas said: "Kuwaiti-Palestinian relations are historical and excellent. It is a great honor for us that Fatah Movement (Palestine Liberation Organization) was launched in Kuwait." He also greatly appreciated relentless support from several Kuwaiti popular and charitable foundations.
On his talks with Kuwait's political leadership, he said he met earlier on Tuesday with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in the presence of HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly (parliament) Speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
The talks, he maintained, focused on the latest Palestinian developments, Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations, inter-Palestinian dialogue and bilateral relations between Kuwait and Palestine.
He said he was totally satisfied with the bilateral relations and joint cooperation between both sides.
On Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations, Abbas said: "Efforts are being exerted by the US, Quartet and Arab Follow-Up Committee for just one thing; a resumption of direct talks should Israeli settlement in Palestinian territories be halted." If not, the Palestinian leader went on, the Palestinian side will go directly to the UN for a solution.
Asked about inter-Palestinian reconciliatory efforts, he said attempts are being made to persuade Hamas to sign an Egyptian reconciliatory document, which was already inked by Fatah. But, he regretted that "Hamas's decision is in the hands of others." (end) jy.msh.abd.mt KUNA 031010 Nov 10NNNN