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Pres
ident Thabo Mbeki has congratulated the newly elected
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas saying he hoped Mr 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 known as Abu Mazen, succeeds the late Yasser
Arafat leader of the Palestinian Authority.
Arafat died last year after decades of fighting for the liberation
of Palestinians from Israel and the recognition of Palestine as an
independent state.
President 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, European, African and Arab leaders in endorsing Abbas'
election. It is hoped Abbas may be able to break the impasse
between Ramalla and Tel Aviv resulting from a protracted
territorial dispute.
A moderate politician and a highly intellectual man, Mahmoud Abbas
studied law in Egypt and in Moscow. He is the author of several
books.
"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," said Mbeki. - BuaNews.
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