Abbas thanks Cyprus for backing Palestinians during visit to Nicosia

Nicosia, Cyprus. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday thanked the Republic of Cyprus for its humanitarian and political backing of the Palestinians as he arrived in Nicosia for a meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

Gratitude for recognition of statehood

Abbas noted that Cyprus has recognised Palestinian statehood since 1988. He said this step reflects Cypriot solidarity with Palestinian rights. He added that relations between Palestine and Cyprus go back well before that year, to a time of very close ties. He said he wished to express his “warm thanks” to Cyprus in front of the whole world for its support for the Palestinian people and the Palestinian cause.

Regional security and peaceful resistance

Abbas said the Palestinian side cares about the security of the region, including that of Israelis, and does not want military friction or conflict. He said the aim is to settle the dispute on the basis of the United Nations Security Council and international law, for the good of the entire region. He added that the Palestinians have openly adopted a position in favour of peaceful, popular resistance, which he said voices the Palestinian people’s protest whenever their rights are violated.

Talks with Christodoulides

Abbas said the planned one-on-one meeting with Christodoulides would give them ample opportunity to exchange views on the situation and on the suffering of the Palestinian people, whether in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank or East Jerusalem. He described East Jerusalem as the legal capital of the Palestinian state under international resolutions.

Israeli elections and prospects for peace

Abbas said the Palestinians have for many years held out an “olive branch” to the Israeli side, seeking a settlement and lasting peace. He said this applies not only to relations between Israel and Palestine but also to those between Israel and neighbouring Arab nations, for the benefit of the region and the world.

Referring to this week’s Israeli elections, he said the Palestinians are still waiting for the final results and for the shape of the government that will follow. He said they are willing to discuss peace with that government as soon as it is formed. He added that, once it is in place, Cyprus, as a friendly neighbouring country with good intentions, could play a supporting role by working towards a peaceful discussion that produces tangible positive results.