Tuesday 11 January 2005, 10:54 Makka Time, 7:54 GMT
During a meeting with international observation teams, the new Palestinian leader Abbas said that it is time for peace beetween Israel and Palestine.
"We are ready to make peace based on justice and we hope that the response will be positive."
and "The elections are only the beginning, not the end. We have a programme full of things to do in order to achieve peace," he said.
He also admitted that peace will be not easy to reach and maintain.
Ariel Sharon, commenting on Abbas' words, said:"The main focus at this stage should be Palestinian action on terror, he [Abbas] will be tested by the way he battles terror and acts to dismantle its infrastructure."
Sharon will have a meeting with Abbas very soon as reported by Israeli officials.
Il Romanaccio at 11:09 AM