The Hindu

Pranab Mukherjee for political solution to Palestine issue

29 September 2007

Special Correspondent

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee called on the president of the Palestine Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, after his return to New York from Washington on Thursday, according to the Ministry.

The meeting with Mr. Abbas took place in a “warm and cordial atmosphere.” The two recalled India’s “historic and consistent support for the Palestinian people’s struggle for a homeland of their own.”

Mr. Abbas briefed Mr. Mukherjee on the situation in the region, and gave him an update on the current state of the West Asia peace process.

Mr. Mukherjee reiterated India’s conviction that a mutually-acceptable political solution must be found to resolve this dispute.

Ahamed’s plea

PTI reports from Ramallah, West Bank:

Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed has urged Palestinians to unite to realise their goal of an independent state amid growing differences between the Hamas and Fatah factions.

“We have expressed hopes that all the Palestinians will unite behind the leadership of Mr. Abbas to realise their aspirations of an independent viable state with clearly demarcated boundaries,” he said.

On a trip to the region to exchange Ramadan greetings with the Arab world, he expressed “concerns at the escalating violence in the region.”

“We hope that peace will prevail in the region for the interest of both sides, Palestinians and Israelis,” Mr. Ahamed told PTI. “We wish that the internal differences among the Palestinians do not prevent them from achieving their goals.”

Four Ministers call on Ahamed

Four Palestinian Ministers called on Mr. Ahamed and appreciated India’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and generous aid for the Palestinian masses.

*****