DOHA, February 28, 2006 (WAFA) - President Abbas thanked Tuesday the European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Javier Solana, for the EU's decision to continue supporting the Palestinian people.

Over a phone call, President Abbas briefed Mr. Solana over the latest developments in the Palestinian arena, specially after asking Hamas to form the new government.

He said that the European stance serves the peace process in the Middle East and strengthens the Palestinian-European ties.

For his part, Mr. Solana appreciated the role of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to strengthen democracy, stressing that the European financial support to the Palestinian people and the PNA would continue.

A.D. (21:52 P) (19:52 GMT)