RAMALLAH, January 11, 2012 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad met separately Wednesday with visiting Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna.
Abbas briefed Krishna on the latest developments in the peace process, particularly the Amman meetings between Palestinian and Israeli negotiators, stressing that the meetings intend to explore ways to resume negotiations.
He said that the Palestinian Authority would be ready to return to the negotiating table with Israel the minute it stops settlements everywhere and accepts the two-state solution.
He thanks India for its support of the Palestinian cause, particularly seeking United Nations recognition and membership.
Fayyad also briefed Krishna on the situation in the Palestinian areas and Israeli measures that undermine Palestinian development efforts.
He said the Palestinian people were inspired by the Mahatma Gandhi in pursing peaceful resistance to end the Israeli occupation of their land and to gain freedom.
Krishna, according to a statement issued by Fayyad’s office following the meeting, declared his country’s support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders and considered settlements illegal and an obstacle to peace.
M.S.
