RAMALLAH, December 12, 2006 (WAFA)- President Mahmoud Abbas received Tuesday in the Presidential HQ in Ramallah, the British Minister of International Development Mr. Hillary Benn.

Following the meeting, Head of the PLO Negotiations Affairs Department, Dr. Saeb Ereikat said the President briefed Mr. Benn on the latest developments in the Palestinian Territory and he welcomed the Prime Minister's expected visit, Mr. Tony Blair to the Palestinian Territory.

For his part, Mr. Benn said that the meeting with President was positive, expressing his country's support to the President's exerted efforts to form a national unity government for that woulld pave the way for the resumption of the peace process.

M.H.(14:15 P)(12:15 GMT)