TUNIS, November 12, 2011 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas said Friday that dissolving the Palestinian Authority is not an option, regardless of the results of voting on the Palestinian application to gain full membership at the United Nations.

In a press conference at his residence in Tunis, Abbas said he is not expecting the bid to succeed this time, yet the PA will continue its efforts to gain full membership. 

He affirmed that the bid to the UN does not conflict with bilateral negotiations, saying, “Even if we gain full membership at the UN, we will resume negotiations with Israel because what is going on between us cannot be solved in the UN, but only through negotiations.”

He said, “We want to coexist with Israel based on clear bases, and these are a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders and a solution to the refugees’ problem.”

Abbas expressed hope that the US would change its position regarding the Palestinian bid to the UN and membership in UNESCO, saying, “Seeking the UN does not mean that we are challenging any sides, especially the US government.”

He said the next meeting with the International Quartet is not the beginning of negotiations with Israel, but a start to resume negotiations.

He added that the PA did not go to the UN solely, but with full Arab support, adding that “the financial Arab support is lagging behind, though.”  

In reference to going to the Gaza Strip, Abbas said that “it is important to go to Gaza, but we must pave the way for such a move.”

M.H./F.J.