President Abbas: We are Ready to Take up Crossings to Ease Suffering of Our
People
www.wafa.ps/english/body.asp?id=11061

RAMALLAH, January 26, 2008 (WAFA - PLO news agency)-President Mahmoud Abbas
confirmed that Jerusalem is the capital of the state of Palestinian and we
will never give it up.

In a speech at a Palestinian National Conference on Jerusalem held Saturday
in Ramallah, President said that the Jewish settlements, particularly what
is built in Jerusalem, are illegal and we will never accept them.

"Whatever they do in Jerusalem and no matter what they do to change its
structure, occupied Jerusalem will remain the capital of the state of
Palestine and we will never give it up," he added.

President accused Israel of seeking to change facts on the ground in East
Jerusalem to preempt permanent status talks with Israel that include
negotiations over the eastern section of the city occupied in 1967.

As for the crossings, President said we are ready to take up the crossings
to ease the suffering of our people, calling on Israeli government to end
the siege imposed on Gaza.

"The long Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip," said Abbas, "has caused a
popular explosion. When you deny the people fuel, medicine and all their
basic needs, what should they do? The people have no choice but to explode."

President confirmed that the Islamic movement was part of the Palestinian
people, demanding that Hamas give up control of crossing points into Gaza
Strip to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) as well as give up its
control of salient entirely.