President Abbas Expresses Sorrow over Stopping National Dialogue

President Abbas Expresses Sorrow over Stopping National Dialogue
http://wafa.ps/english/cphotonews.asp?num=8708
[PLO NEWS AGENCY]
GAZA, December 2, 2006 (WAFA ) - President Mahmoud Abbas expressed sorrow over
the halt of the national dialogue on forming a national unity government.

President Abbas' comments came during a joint press conference in Gaza with
the European Union Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana.

President Abbas told reporters that they discussed important issues in the
region including the current ceasefire as well as the formation of a unity
government which regrettably stopped.

He also said that they talked over resuming the peace process on the basis of
the Road Map, the vision of the US President George W. Bush and the Arab
initiative.

For his part, Solana said that the President is taking very courageous
decisions to the benefit of the Palestinian people, adding that President
Abbas will always be able to cope with the Europeans.

Solana told reporters that President Abbas made every effort possible and
tried to build a possibility of unity government, affirming that it had been
difficult and impossible but in taking such a decision "he can count us."

He hoped that the ceasefire would be extended to the West Bank, stressing that
President Abbas will always have the help of the European Union.

A.D (P) (GMT)