Mbeki backs Palestinian leader
Matome Sebelebele
12 January 2005
President Thabo Mbeki has congratulated newly elected Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, saying he hoped Abbas would resume peace talks with the Israelis.
"I believe that this electoral mandate will contribute to the creation of conditions conducive to the resumption of the peace process and the implementation of the Road Map", Mbeki said.
Abbas (69), also know as Abu Mazen, succeeds the late Yasser Arafat as leader of the Palestinian Authority. Arafat died last year after decades of fighting for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state.
Mbeki, who is on his way from Gabon to conflict-stricken Ivory Coast, further committed his administration to helping the Middle Eastern nation accomplish their independence.
"We reaffirm to you and the newly democratically elected Palestinian leadership our support and recommit ourselves to the goals of assisting the establishment of a sovereign Palestine, living side by side with
Israel, within secure borders", he said.
Mbeki joins international leaders such as US President George W Bush and European, African and Arab leaders in endorsing Abbas' election.
"The South African government and its people join the international community in commending the Palestinian people for conducting the presidential elections in a dignified and democratic manner under the difficult and unique circumstances of ongoing Israeli occupation", Mbeki said.
A moderate politician and a highly intellectual man, Abbas studied law in Egypt and in Moscow. He is the author of several books.
Source: BuaNews
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