Abbas calls for end to conflict by creation of Palestinian state

Mar 8, 2008, 12:54 GMT

Ramallah - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday renewed calls to resolve the conflict in the Middle East through the creation of a Palestinian state and resolving all final-status issues.

He added that Jerusalem should be the capital of the future state which would be established in accordance with Arab and international resolutions after resolving the issues of refugees, borders and water.

In a speech delivered in Ramallah on the occasion of International Women's Day, Abbas affirmed that no peace deal would be signed as long as Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli jails. 'Their issue is on the top of our priorities.'

Abbas also vowed to continue supporting the residents of the Gaza Strip which Hamas took in June after routing his forces. 'The absence of the Palestinian National Authority in Gaza doesn't mean the PNA will not meet its commitments.

He stressed that the Gaza Strip should be politically reunited with the West Bank via dialogue, adding that Hamas 'was a firm part of the Palestinian people despite the mistake they did,' urging Hamas to end its control on Gaza Strip to pave the way for the dialogue.

According to Abbas, the PA's concerns now are the reopening of crossing points into the Gaza Strip 'to end the suffering of the people' and the reinforcement of a comprehensive ceasefire with Israel.