In a joint press conference Thursday with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner in the Presidential HQ in Ramallah, President Abbas said that Europe should be given a chance to play an important political role, simply because of its significance in the world political map and very near to the Middle East region.

President added that we tackled different internal issues, including economic and security situation and obstacles we face such as settlements and barriers in the West Bank.

President also said that we spoke about the Palestinian- Israeli peace process, pointing out that it is still ongoing and the Palestinian side is awaiting results but nothing so far.

For his part, Kouchner welcomed the continuation of the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, hoping achieving progress.

Kouchner added that President Sarkozy and French people wish the dreams of the Palestinian people to be achieved in establishing the independent Palestinian state, adding that European countries are interested in the successes of the peace process and establishment of the Palestinian independent state along side with the state of Israel.