BERLIN, February 22, 2007 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas met Thursday with the German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

During the meeting, President Abbas briefed Steinmeier on the latest developments in the Palestinian territory, in particular the issues of forming a national unity government and lifting the siege imposed on the Palestinian people.

President Abbas arrived earlier on Thursday in Berlin on a two-day visit to Germany as part of a European tour.

He is also expected to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at her office in Berlin on Friday.

Over the last few days, President Abbas held talks with several Arab and foreign leaders and officials on the Palestinian issue, including King Abdullah II of Jordan, Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain, Foreign Minister Margaret Beckett of Britain and Minister of Finance Gordon Brown of Britain.

A.D (23:20 P) (21:20GMT)