Israel hails the victor

[Violet_Crumble]

ISRAEL has hailed the projected landslide victory of moderate Mahmud Abbas in the Palestinian presidential election as a boost to peace hopes but wasted no time in reminding Yasser Arafat's successor of the daunting task he faces.

Before the voting was even over yesterday, a senior aide in Ariel Sharon's office said the Israeli Prime Minister was ready to meet the winner – whose identity was never in doubt – "as soon as possible".

Conciliatory messages came pouring in from Israeli Government officials for the man who has been seen as their partner of choice on the Palestinian side since Mr Arafat was completely sidelined four years ago.

"Mr Abbas will be an uncompromising partner, but he is a wise man, experienced and moderate... he was chosen by the vast majority of Palestinians and we should give him the chance to succeed," Shimon Peres said.

http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11904737%255E401,00.html

[henslee]

1. Seems to me, the Israelis and Palestinians have more in common with

each other than anyone else and should embrace this. NO ONE WANTS THEM IN THEIR COUNTRY. They are kindred refugee spirits.
On edit... If I were Israel I would send Abbas plenty of Kevlar.