UAE expresses support, solidarity with Palestine

Occupied Jerusalem: Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan joined Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Palestinian Prime Minister Dr Salam Fayyad, and attended the midnight mass at the Church of Nativity here in the West Bank.

The Christmas midnight mass was led by the Latin Patriarch of occupied Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, who, in his sermon, warmly welcomed all the guests, the pilgrims, president Abbas and Shaikh Abdullah.

He wished them a merry Christmas and a happy new year with peace, stability and safety for all.

He said that peace was a right for everyone in the world and is the best solution for all disputes and conflicts.

"War never leads to peace nor do prisons bring stability. No matter how long the wall, it can never ensure safety... Neither the victorious invader nor the vanquished struggler in the holy land shall enjoy peace..., because peace is a gift from God and it is only God who grants peace," he stated in the sermon.

Special guest

Shaikh Abdullah last night joined President Abbas and other senior Palestinian officials in a Christmas dinner held at the Franciscan.

"I wish to congratulate you all on this happy occasion. I wish you a merry Christmas. We are happy to have in our midst a guest from a generous country, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan," President Abbas said.

"Our guests are here in their second home, Palestine ... to join us in celebration on this happy occasion," he added.

After the dinner, Shaikh Abdullah went to the Nativity Square where a number of foreign bands performed in a colourful ceremony to mark Christmas and show solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Shaikh Abdullah expressed profound happiness for being part of the occasion.

"The UAE government and people are all with the Palestinian people. We support you and Abu Mazin [President Abbas]," he said.