GAZA, May 24, 2007 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas received on Thursday a phone call from German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

During the phone call, president Abbas briefed Merkel, whose country now chairs the EU, on the latest developments in the Palestinian territory in light of Israel's aggressions against the Palestinian people.

They also discussed the Israeli arrest of Ministers and PLC Members as well as escalation the policy of assassination.

President Abbas tackled with Merkel the situation of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, urging her to press Israel to stop its aggressions against the Palestinian people.

A.D (20.50P) (17.50GMT)