RAMALLAH, December 30, 2006 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas wished Saturday that the next years will be a year of stability and peace for the entire world and the year of establishing the Palestinian state with Jerusalem as a capital.

In statements to reporters after performing Eid al-Adha prayers in Ramallah, President Abbas stressed the necessity that the Palestinian people be patient and bear the current crisis, hoping that the sufferings of the Palestinian people would end and live like the other peoples of the world.

Regarding the arrangements for holding early presidential and legislative elections, President Abbas said the Leadership has many options and measures that can protect holding the elections, stressing that the elections would be transparent and free.

Concerning the release of some prisoners by Israel, President Abbas said Israeli PM Ehud Olmert had promised him that he would release prisoners before the Eid al-Adha. "Unfortunately, this didn't happen, and we hope that he will fulfill his promise after the holiday."

A.D (20:46 P) (18:46 GMT)