CHUVASHIA/RUSSIA, January 23, 2012 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Monday called on the international Quartet to make further efforts to implement the Road Map, of which Palestinians completely upheld their obligations.

He stressed that he counts on the Quartet members; the US, the United Nations, the European Union, and particularly Russia to put into practice the Road Map recommendations.

Abbas’ speech came during his Honorary Doctorate Ceremony at the Chuvash Ulyanov State University, where he thanked the academic institution for what he considered “a sign of friendship between the Palestinian and the Chuvashian people.”

He stressed that Palestinians are “advocates of peace” and will work excessively to achieve just and comprehensive peace in the region, in accordance to international resolutions.

In addition, Abbas referred to the unimplemented UN General Assembly resolution 194 that guaranteed the right to return for six million Palestinian refugees around the world.

“More than 130 countries recognized the state of Palestine, rising hope among Palestinians, who have been fighting for their freedom and independence for more than six decades, of establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he added.

Abbas emphasized the continuous Palestinian efforts to resume the halted peace process, facilitate state infrastructure and carry out internal reconciliation, amid Israeli efforts to thwart attempts to revive the peace process.

He said: “Israel, the occupying power, breached all its obligations,” indicating that Israel continues to evade its obligations by its settlements construction and expansion policy in the Palestinian Territory, the continuous settlers’ attacks targeting Palestinians and their property, especially in East Jerusalem, and the construction of the Apartheid Wall in the West Bank.

R.Q./F.R.