Abbas Makes Peace Gesture to Israel


Jan 10, 3:08 PM (ET)

By MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH


RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas extended his hand in peace Monday, his first gesture toward Israel since his landslide victory in presidential elections.

His remarks added to the sense of optimism felt in the region since Abbas' election Sunday. The victory, which capped a peaceful transition of power after the Nov. 11 death of Yasser Arafat, has raised hopes around the world that peace talks could soon resume.

"We extend our hands to our neighbors," Abbas declared late Monday after a meeting with international observers who monitored the election. "We are ready for peace, peace based on justice. We hope that their response will be positive."

Israel has welcomed Abbas' election, and even Palestinian militants expressed a willingness to work with him.

But hard-line Islamic groups raised questions about the legitimacy of the vote in the face of what appeared to be a low turnout, underscoring the sensitive task that Abbas faces as he tries to restart peace talks with Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon welcomed Abbas' victory but said he will watch closely how hard he tries to subdue militants.

"He will be tested based on the way in which he fights terrorism and dismantles their infrastructure," Sharon said."
http://apnews1.iwon.com//article/200...D87HE1BO1.html

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"This is a time for a national imperative not to fail in Iraq." Condoleeza Rice, January 11, 2007

I fear that Abbas will be dead long before he is able to make peace with Israel and the rest of the world.

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"George W. Bush surrounds himself with smart people the way a hole surrounds itself with a donut." —Dennis Miller

What does that mean?

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"This is a time for a national imperative not to fail in Iraq." Condoleeza Rice, January 11, 2007