Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed on Thursday his commitment to a just and comprehensive peace based on the resolutions of the international community and the Arab Peace Initiative, the Palestinian news agency, Wafa, reported. Abbas also reiterated his call for an end to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. Speaking on the 56th anniversary of the launch of the contemporary Palestinian Revolution and Fatah Movement, the Palestinian leader said in a televised speech aired via Palestine TV that the Palestinian leadership remains committed to a just solution of the refugee issue UN General Assembly resolution. He said on this occasion that the Palestinian leadership will continue to work to release the Palestinian political prisoners languishing in Israeli jails. "We're committed to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative. Therefore, we've called for an international peace conference to be held in the first half of next year, under the auspices of the International Quartet, the only body authorized to sponsor negotiations," said Abbas. The Palestinian leader expressed his hope to work with the next US administration on the basis of mutual trust, with a view of strengthening mutual relations and achieving peace and security for all. Abbas added that he was looking forward to working with the Arab, Islamic, and other friendly countries to mobilize international support and achieve a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue, based on the two-state solution on the borders of 1967. He congratulated the Palestinian people and the entire world on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year. — SG
