RAMALLAH, APRIL 26, 2011 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Monday said Egypt remains the backbone of the Palestinian cause.

He said during a meeting in Ramallah with Egypt’s ambassador to the Palestinian Territory, Yasser Othman, that 'Egypt is the backbone of our people’s aspirations toward having an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Abbas also briefed Othman on the latest efforts to end division and bring reconciliation between the Palestinians as well as his initiative to visit Gaza and efforts to hold presidential and legislative elections.

Abbas thanked Egypt for its efforts toward ending the Palestinian division.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Egyptian Al-Wafd party, Al-Sayyid al-Badawi, renewed this party`s call on Israel to recognize a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East-Jerusalem as capital.

He said in statements to the media that the Palestinian cause is at the forefront of the party`s agenda and of its discussions with international and European officials

W.S. /M.A.