US President Donald Trump and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas met Tuesday morning for an hour in the city of Bethlehem.
Abu Mazen stressed the PA's commitment to achieving peace, “I pledge to cooperate in order to reach a historic peace.The Palestinian people demand freedom and independence, and this is the key to peace in the region and in the world. meeting you mister presidentgave hope to the Palestinian people in it gives all the nations of the region alot of hope for the possibilty of fulfilling the drem and ambition for a stable long-lasting peace. This is the key to peace and stability in the region and in the world – that the children in Israel and the PA will enjoy peace and security.”
“We reaffirm our commitment to continue to work with you as partners in the fight against terrorism. We reiterate our position on the two-state solution: a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living alongside the State of Israel, and a resolution of all permanent issues based on international law and the UN resolution. Mr. President, As you saw yesterday during your visit to the holy places, East Jerusalem is occupied. Our basic problem is with the occupation and the settlements and Israel's lack of recognition of the state of Palestine, as we have recognized Israel. The problem is not between us and Judaism, but between us and the occupation.”
Abu Mazen claims Israel is harming peace: “Israel does not recognize the Palestinian state though we recognize the State of Israel … The problem is not between us and Judaism but between us and the occupation,” he said. “Honorable President, I hope that the pages of history will write that President Donald Trump has made peace between Israel and the Palestinians. I commit myself to being a partner in this important and noble mission,” Abu Mazen concluded.
After the meeting, Trump opened his remarks by condemning the attack in Manchester and said: “Our condolences to those who were injured in this terrorist attack, the terrorists are not monsters, they are losers … Our society can not tolerate this bloodshed. Innocent children were the main victims killed in the attack.”
“Peace can never take root in a place where violence is tolerated, funded and even rewarded. We must be resolute in condemning such acts in a single, unified voice. Peace is a choice we must make each day, and the United States is here to help make that dream possible for young Jewish, Christian, and Muslim children all across the region.”
On negotiations with Israel, Trump said: “As I discussed with President Abbas in Washington, I am committed to reaching a peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians and I intend to do everything in my power to help them achieve this goal. President Abbas assured me that he is ready to work for this cause, as does Prime Minister Netanyahu. I look forward to working with these leaders for a lasting peace. I also look forward to working with President Abbas on other matters such as helping to realize the Palestinians' economic potential. “