Abbas faces hopes & challenges

cctv.com 01-11-2005 13:34

High-ranking Palestinian officials, including Prime Minister Ahmed Queri, have congratulated their newly elected president. Victory for Mahmoud Abbas has sparked hopes of resuming long-stalled peace talks with Israel. But challenges lie ahead.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Queri was pleased with the election result. Along with many others, he said it stirs new hope for peace talks.

Queri said: "I am sure that now there is a possibility, if there is good intentions from the Israeli side, to start a very serious and credible work to start immediate discussion, negotiation, and to put an end to the conflict, once and forever."

Though the newly elected leader is greeted by expectations of a bright future, Abbas still faces many challenges. His task is both difficult and enormous. And results will be expected fast.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said: "I believe the Palestinians are looking at the first hundred days of his presidency to see if he can restore the rule of law, public order, end chaos, continue reform, fight corruption, have good governors."

According to Erekat, the Palestinian authorities are willing to resume a meaningful dialogue, but the result relies on Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. He said if Sharon refuses to resume talks, the situation could further deteriorate.

Editor:Wang Ping  Source:CCTV.com