RAMALLAH, December 3, 2012 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Monday thanked France for voting in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution granting Palestine a non-member state status at the international organization.

Abbas told the French Consul General in Jerusalem, Frederic Desagneaux, during a meeting at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, that the French support had left a positive impact on other European countries who have also voted in favor of the Palestinian resolution.

He praised French President Francois Hollande’s support for Palestinian struggle for independence and the establishment of their state, stressing the importance of continuing consultations between the Palestinian and French sides.

Abbas called on France to pressure Israel to stop settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian land, particularly in East Jerusalem, which could undermine peace efforts.

Reports said France has summoned the Israeli ambassador in Paris to protest an Israeli plan to build 3000 new housing units in settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Desagneaux told WAFA that he had an important meeting with Abbas.

“We discussed the next move needed to return the Palestinians and Israelis back to the negotiations table,” he said, adding that there are consultations and coordination between Palestinian and French leaderships on all issues.

M.S./F.R.