Palestinian President Reveals Plan for Truce With Israel

May 29, 10:31 AM

Current Headlines: Text of report in English by Palestinian Ma'an News Agency website

["PNA Preparing a Ten-Point Cease-fire Plan, Abbas Reveals in Press Conference with European Parliament Speaker" - Ma'an Headline]

Gaza, 29 May (Ma'an) Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas revealed on Monday that there is a Palestinian initiative to agree to a truce with Israel, but this initiative is still being studied by the factions.

In a joint press conference with the Speaker of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pottering, Abbas said that this initiative, which consists of 10 points, will be submitted to the Israeli side for consideration once the factions agree upon it. Abbas also expressed his readiness to start negotiations with the Israelis in order to reach a truce.

Abbas also confirmed that he discussed many issues with his guest, including the internal situation and the truce with the Israelis, including the Palestinian projectiles and the Israeli air strikes. He thanked Mr Pottering for coming to the Gaza Strip in the current situation.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Lebanon; Abbas informed Pottering that what is going on in Lebanon is not a Palestinian-Lebanese issue but, on the contrary, the Palestinians and the Lebanese are in the same position in the current crisis.

Abbas also said that they discussed the Arab peace initiative and the possibility of implementing it. They also discussed US President Bush's vision and the Road Map for peace.

Abbas also condemned Israel's arrest of numerous Palestinian political officials in the last week and said that such acts should not happen.

From his side, Mr Pottering thanked President Abbas for his warm reception and confirmed that the Europeans are seeking peace in the region.

During his visit to Gaza, Mr Pottering also met with the Palestinian foreign minister, Ziad Abu Amr, and discussed the current situation.

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