Palestinian official: Obama pledges to support Mideast peace process

Source: Xinhua | 11-19-2008 08:01

RAMALLAH, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Barack Obama on Tuesday discussed the latest developments in the Middle East peace process with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas by telephone, a senior Palestinian official said.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said in a statement sent to reporters that Obama promised Abbas that his administration would continue to support the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.

Obama underlined his support for establishing a Palestinian state to stand side by side with Israel in the first telephone conversation since he won the U.S. presidential elections, Erekat said.

"Obama promised that he won't stop his efforts to push the peace process forward in order to reach a two-state solution. He said he will work with both sides to achieve peace which is in the interest of all the parties," said Erekat.

No progress has been made in the peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians since last November's Annapolis peace conference during which the two sides vowed to clinch a peace agreement before U.S. President George W. Bush leaves office in January.

The peace talks between the two sides were halted following the political upheaval in Israel.

Erekat said Obama's telephone conversation is a suggestion tha the is determined to help both sides to reach a permanent peace agreement to end the current conflict.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei