Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a televised address to the nation on Sunday night, stressing the issue of Jerusalem. Abbas said that “Jerusalem is the gateway and the key to peace.” According to him, the Palestinians will continue to proclaim their attachment to “every inch” of East Jerusalem.
“Any agreement that does not include ending occupation of [East Jerusalem] is a failure … changing its features would incite tension and war in the region and throughout the world.”
The Palestinian leader stated the Palestinian Authority continues to insist on a total settlement freeze as a condition for renewed peace talks. He noted he would reject any proposal to create a Palestinian state with temporary borders.
Regarding the Goldstone report on the recent Gaza war, Abbas said that he ordered his ambassador to Geneva to promote a comprehensive discussion of the report "in order to indict those who committed crimes against our children and women." He accused Hamas of using the affair to evade reconciliation talks with the Palestinian factions.
© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
