Abbas: Israelis Should not be Afraid of Democracy

Abbas: Israelis Should not be Afraid of Palestinian Democracy

RAMMALLAH, Palestine, January 26,2006 (IPC+Agencies) - -President Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday evening that the Palestinian people are to go through a new stage following the end of casting polls to elect a new Palestinian legislative council.

Speaking to the reporters in Rammallah in the aftermath of the closure of ballot boxes "We are approaching a new period and we hope that the international community will help us return to the negotiating table. "

Abbas added that the electoral process will finalize following counting votes "this night or tomorrow the results will come out and of course the first and last judgment is the ballot boxes."

He also gratefully thanked the International and Arab observers.

President Abbas also called the Israelis not to be dismayed by the Palestinian democracy representing in legislative election.

Touring the electoral centers Wednesday morning Abbas said "the Israelis must not be afraid of the Palestinian elections and the Palestinian democracy, which would be a rock foundation for peace between us (the Israelis and Palestinians). We will continue peace with the Israelis."

"You (Israelis) should not be frightened and be comfortable."

Addressing the Israelis Abbas said "I expected to be happy as yours neighbors are democratic and transparent. We have to continue to reach a just and equitable peace."

The Central Election Center (CEC) announced voter turnout in all electoral districts reached 77.69% following the end of polling for the second Palestinian legislative elections in all electoral districts.

Questioned about the acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announcement if no Palestinian partner is found, Israel will take unilateral steps Abbas said "I'd like to say to Olmert that we are ready for peace at any moment and whatever time to kick off the negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians."

"Olmert wants an Israeli custom-made partner and we do not demand a custom -made partner for us we have negotiated with those elected by the Israeli people. "

Abbas called upon all the Palestinian people for overcoming great obstacles to carry out the vote.

"We are so happy with this election festival," Abbas said after voting in this West Bank town. "So far, it's going very well and we hope it will keep going well until the end without any troubles."

He also complained of Israeli travel restrictions on West Bank roads that hindering a free movement of the electorates. But he said the Palestinians have overcome these difficulties to "practice their sacred rights".

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