RAMALLAH, August 19, 2006 (WAFA)- President Mahmoud Abbas received Saturday in the Presidential HQ in Ramallah, the Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation, Armand De Decker.

In a joint press conference with the visiting Belgian minister, the Head of PLO Negotiations Department, Dr. Saeb Ereikat said that President Abbas highly appreciated the Belgian assistance in different fields to the Palestinian people.

For his part, Mr. De Decker said that his government will deliver 1.4 Euros to Palestinian hospitals in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron and Gaza.

Mr. De Decker added that he discussed several issues with the President, including the consultations to form a national unity government, hoping success for President Abbas in forming it.

(17:45 P) (14:45 GMT)