RAMALLAH, October 19, 2006 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas received Thursday the Portugal's Representative to the Palestinian National Authority, Maria Fernandez.

During the meeting, which held in Ramallah, President Abbas informed Fernandez about the latest developments in the Palestinian territory in light of the Israeli ongoing escalation.

He also briefed her on the financial crisis faced by the Palestinian people because of the Israeli siege and the international aid cutoff. He also updated her about the efforts made to form a national unity government.

A.D (15:46 P) (13:46 GMT)