RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas denied having voiced support for Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Israel`s March 28 election in an Italian newspaper interview published Wednesday.
"Israeli elections are a matter for the Israeli people, not the Palestinian president," Abbas`s office said in a statement, following the interview in Corriere Della Sera.
It said Abbas did not support any Israeli party and that his words had been misinterpreted.
"If it will be that Mr Olmert wins, I know him well and I believe it is possible to work with him," it said, referring to opinion polls that indicate his Kadima party is the clear favourite to win the general election.
"We respect the will of the Israeli people," Abbas`s office said. "In short we hope that the ones who really want peace and intend to restart the negotiations win."
03/08/2006 20:13 GMT