PARIS, July 14, 2008 (WAFA) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas participated on Monday in the ceremonies marking Bastille Day, the French national holiday on 14 July.

President Abbas extended his cordial greetings to the French Leadership and the French Government, wishing France progress and prosperity.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has invited all the foreign heads of state attending the summit to launch the Union for the Mediterranean to join him for ceremonies marking Bastille Day.

President Abbas participated yesterday in the inauguration of the Union for the Mediterranean and held talks with the French President Sarkozy, Israeli PM Ehud Olmert, British PM, Turkish PM and Head of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

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