RAMALLAH (AA) - ''For the first time an open and transparent election takes place in Palestine,'' Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Wednesday.
Gul met Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of Palestine Liberation Organization, who is one of the important candidates of the presidential election to be held in Palestine on January 9th.
Evaluating his visits after the meeting, Gul said all of his meetings were fruitful.
Gul stated that there was a change in government in Israel, stating that both the right and the left parties would together form the government, noting that, ''Shimon Peres will have a special assignment. Obviously, Israel should implement the road map without making any concessions after Palestinian side brings terrorist acts under control. Israel will have nothing to say after suicide attacks end.''
Gul underlined that Israel should stop assassinations against several Palestinian leaders after attacks of Palestinians are brought under control.
Gul said Palestinian people would be more powerful after the elections, noting that reforms continued, and that the reforms would make Palestinian people stronger.
''I have clearly conveyed both parties that the peace process will be more healthier in case the leadership in Palestine is more powerful,'' Gul said.
(AY)
2005-01-05