RAMALLAH, March 3, 2007, (WAFA)-Head of the PLO Negotiations Affairs Department, Saeb Erikat stressed Saturday the necessity to lift siege imposed on the Palestinian people.

In a statement, Erikat said states of European Union did not exercise siege on the Palestinian people and Europe has offered much more than previous years. It offered & 35 million per month via temporarly international mechanism or through projects, adding the Arab world offered &50 million monthly and this is the largest amount since 1994.

As for the Arab peace initiative, Erikat said the Arab Peace Initiative is clear, it wants peace and peace is a strategic choice, adding but it will not be at any price. If Israel withdraws to 1967 borders and from Jerusalem and other Arab territories, then it will be recognition, normalization with Israel and diplomatic ties. "This is the Arab Peace Initiative."

Erikat condemned the Israeli aggression on the Palestinian people as it undermines calm, affirming that Israel should abide by the Road Map plan.

M.H.(10:38 P)(08:38 GMT)