ROME, April 25, 2007, (WAFA)-President Mahmoud Abbas said that we have no other choice but the choice of peace as there is no negotiation under rifle bullets.

In a joint press conference, following meeting with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi yesterday, President called on Israeli government to keep self restraint and not to escalate tension, adding we should accelerate efforts to solve these breaches.

" We formed the national unity government and reactivate the Arab Peace Initiative and formed delegations to contact all states and Israeli government. As for us, we begin dialogue with Israeli Prime Minister and we will continue every couple of weeks in order to solve all issues, either temporarily or final issues," President said.

President thanked the Italian people and government for continued support to the Palestinian people and the peace process in the Middle- East, which is based on the two state-solution living side by side in peace.

For his part, PM Brodi said that there is now a Palestinian national unity government and a unified Arab stance represented by the Arab Peace Initiative as well as a joint meetings between President and Israeli PM and an active American effort, pointing out that the violation of the Truce would jeopardize the peace process, hoping as such to be an exceptional.

PM Brodi affirmed that the UE will continue supporting President for starting the process of achieving peace, adding that this process should be accompanied by improving the living conditions of the Palestinian people and Italy will continue provide assistance to the Palestinian people.

M.H.(12:20 P)(09:20 GMT)