LOC12:41
09:41 GMT
RAMALLAH, Jan 22 (KUNA) -- The Palestinian leadership expressed appreciation here on Thursday for Kuwaiti support and His Highness the Amir's inclusion of Gaza on the agenda of the Arab Economic, Social, and Development Summit, and giving the item due priority.
A statement following a meetings headed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah said the leadership also appreciated the responsible attitude of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz who called for a comprehensive Arab and Palestinian reconciliation, stressing on the importance of Arab and international cooperation concerning the Egyptian initiative.
It added that the international and Arab divide over the initiative will only serve the interests of the Israelis who want to keep Gaza under siege.
The statement warned of Palestinian rift, adding the leadership is working on a Palestinian national reconciliation.
The Palestinian leadership also welcomed the position of new American President Barak Obama, who called Abbas and stressed on invigorating the peace process. It added it will not engage in negotiations unless there is halt of settlement activity in Jerusalem and the West Bank.(end) nq.lb KUNA 221241 Jan 09NNNN