Region | Palestinian Territories
UAE urges Obama to support Arab initiative to secure stability in Mideast
The UAE and the Palestinian National Authority on Wednesday reiterated their adherence to the Arab peace initiative as a means to achieve stability and security in the region.
- WAM
- Published: 00:18 December 25, 2008
- Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed with Mahmoud Abbas during a press conference in Bethlehem on Wednesday.
- Image Credit: WAM
Occupied Jerusalem: The UAE and the Palestinian National Authority on Wednesday reiterated their adherence to the Arab peace initiative as a means to achieve stability and security in the region.
"We believe the Arab peace initiative is the key to security, stability and development in our region," Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, said.
He was speaking at a press conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, during Christmas celebrations.
Shaikh Abdullah called on US President-elect Barack Obama to embrace the initiative, which was also adopted by Islamic countries in a conference in Tehran. There are 57 Islamic countries that are willing to normalise their ties with Israel if it is seriously looking for peace and accepts the Arab initiative.
Speaking to Abbas, Shaikh Abdullah said: "With the Palestinian people's determination and with the support of your Arab brethren, I believe that we are closer than anytime before in convincing the international community and the Israeli people about the importance of the peace initiative."
Backing for Abbas
Shaikh Abdullah pointed out that the Israeli occupation stands as an obstacle to peace efforts. "This is my first visit by land to Palestine where I saw many border crossings and illegal colonies," he said.
Shaikh Abdullah added that the initiative will be introduced after the coming Israeli elections to make it clear to the Israeli people that most Arabs and Muslims believe in the setting up of a Palestinian state on the 1967 border and the regaining of all the Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese occupied territories.
Shaikh Abdullah praised the policies of Abbas and reaffirmed the UAE's support for him to continue leading the Palestinian people. Abbas welcomed Shaikh Abdullah and paid tribute to the UAE leadership and people for their ongoing support for the Palestinian people in their struggle to regain their national rights.
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