President Abbas Hopes Next Year will be Year of Independence, Peace
http://wafa.ps/english/cphotonews.asp?num=8909

RAMALLAH, December 30, 2006 (WAFA - PLO news agency) - President Mahmoud
Abbas wished Saturday that the next years will be a year of stability and
peace for the entire world and the year of establishing the Palestinian
state with Jerusalem as a capital.

In statements to reporters after performing Eid al-Adha prayers in Ramallah,
President Abbas stressed the necessity that the Palestinian people be
patient and bear the current crisis, hoping that the sufferings of the
Palestinian people would end and live like the other peoples of the world.

Regarding the arrangements for holding early presidential and legislative
elections, President Abbas said the Leadership has many options and measures
that can protect holding the elections, stressing that the elections would
be transparent and free.

Concerning the release of some prisoners by Israel, President Abbas said
Israeli PM Ehud Olmert had promised him that he would release prisoners
before the Eid al-Adha. "Unfortunately, this didn't happen, and we hope that
he will fulfill his promise after the holiday."

A.D (20:46 P) (18:46 GMT)