Arab leaders at the four-way Sharm El-Sheikh summit reiterated their support for Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), in light of the recent takeover of Gaza by Hamas.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, the host of the summit, spoke first at the closing ceremony Monday night. Noting that Sharm El-Sheikh has become a symbol of peace, he gave his blessings for success to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and PA Chairman Abbas.
"I called for this summit in order to renew the hope for peace, as it is the desire of all the region's peoples," Mubarak said. He added that the leaders in attendance recognized "the need to assist and support the Chairman of the Authority, Abu Mazen, and to strengthen the unity of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and in the West Bank."
Mubarak characterized the meetings at the summit as "forthright conversations" that focused on promoting continued negotiations between Israel and the PA, as well as ending the suffering of PA residents.
In his parting address, Jordan's King Abdullah II said that the events in Gaza in recent
The leaders in attendance recognized "the need to assist and support... Abu Mazen." - Egyptian President Mubarak
weeks "compel us to continue forward along the path that we wish for our peoples, the path of peace and security." Abdullah added that he sees that path as leading to "a Palestinian State in Gaza and in the West Bank in peaceful existence alongside the State of Israel. To that end," he emphasized, "Palestinian legality, and PA Chairman Abu Mazen, must be strengthened."
For his part, Abu Mazen said that the diplomatic opportunity that has been created must be taken full advantage of. According to the PA leader, with "all eyes on Sharm El-Sheikh," the momentum must be transformed into action. Abbas urged Prime Minister Olmert to resume what he described as "serious talks" towards a future Palestinian State. The region, he said, is "at a crossroads between peace and violence."
Prime Minister Olmert said that he and Abbas agreed to hold meetings every two weeks. "We agreed to continue talks that will bring about, as soon as possible, the advent of a Palestinian State alongside the State of Israel," he said. In his closing speech, Olmert announced that he would propose to his cabinet that Israel release 250 Fatah-affiliated terrorists from Israeli jails. As further gestures of good will, Olmert said he would release withheld tax revenues belonging to the PA and ease some restrictions on Arab travel in Judea and Samaria. Military authorities said that the easing of travel restrictions pose a security risk.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, the host of the summit, spoke first at the closing ceremony Monday night. Noting that Sharm El-Sheikh has become a symbol of peace, he gave his blessings for success to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and PA Chairman Abbas.
"I called for this summit in order to renew the hope for peace, as it is the desire of all the region's peoples," Mubarak said. He added that the leaders in attendance recognized "the need to assist and support the Chairman of the Authority, Abu Mazen, and to strengthen the unity of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and in the West Bank."
Mubarak characterized the meetings at the summit as "forthright conversations" that focused on promoting continued negotiations between Israel and the PA, as well as ending the suffering of PA residents.
In his parting address, Jordan's King Abdullah II said that the events in Gaza in recent
The leaders in attendance recognized "the need to assist and support... Abu Mazen." - Egyptian President Mubarak
weeks "compel us to continue forward along the path that we wish for our peoples, the path of peace and security." Abdullah added that he sees that path as leading to "a Palestinian State in Gaza and in the West Bank in peaceful existence alongside the State of Israel. To that end," he emphasized, "Palestinian legality, and PA Chairman Abu Mazen, must be strengthened." For his part, Abu Mazen said that the diplomatic opportunity that has been created must be taken full advantage of. According to the PA leader, with "all eyes on Sharm El-Sheikh," the momentum must be transformed into action. Abbas urged Prime Minister Olmert to resume what he described as "serious talks" towards a future Palestinian State. The region, he said, is "at a crossroads between peace and violence."
Prime Minister Olmert said that he and Abbas agreed to hold meetings every two weeks. "We agreed to continue talks that will bring about, as soon as possible, the advent of a Palestinian State alongside the State of Israel," he said. In his closing speech, Olmert announced that he would propose to his cabinet that Israel release 250 Fatah-affiliated terrorists from Israeli jails. As further gestures of good will, Olmert said he would release withheld tax revenues belonging to the PA and ease some restrictions on Arab travel in Judea and Samaria. Military authorities said that the easing of travel restrictions pose a security risk.