RAMALLAH, January 12, 2012 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday held talks at his Ramallah headquarters on the latest developments in the Middle East peace process with visiting Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store.

Abbas briefed Store on the recent talks the Palestinian and Israeli sides had started in the Jordanian capital Amman, reiterating the Palestinian position of immediate return to negotiations once Israel accepts the principle of two-state solution and stops settlements in the Palestinian Territory.

He expressed gratitude for Norway’s support for the Palestinian people and authority on all levels as well as its support for the right of the Palestinian people to self determination and having their own independent state that would live in security and stability alongside Israel.

M.S.