Ma'an Ramallah – Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said that the grave medical condition of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will not effect the Palestinian Legislative Council elections. Abbas vowed that the elections will be held on their scheduled date of 25 January 2006 despite the condition of the Israeli leader.
He added that the elections will not be held without the full participation of Jerusalem. He said that no Palestinian will accept the elections without Jerusalem.
Speaking upon his return from a tour of Arab countries, Abbas expressed concern about the consequences of Sharon''s absence on Israeli political life.
The Palestinian President denied receiving a letter of resignation from members of the Central Elections Commission as was published in media reports. Abbas said, ‘I don't think they are going to do it and I hope they won't do it.’
Abbas condemned the killing of two Egyptian soldiers by armed Palestinians on Wednesday. He described the act as ‘cruel’ and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Palestinian leader described the two deceased Egyptians as ‘martyrs’ and hoped for the speedy recovery of all individuals injured in the incident.
Concerning the fight against lawlessness in the Gaza Strip, Abbas described the PA as ‘weak.’ He labeled the situation ‘very dangerous’ and asked Palestinians to not surrender, saying, ‘There is no doubt we are weak, but we don't have to give up.’