Abbas Call For Israeli Pull Out
Associated Press Wire | 25 Dec 04 | Associated Press Wire
 

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Interim Palestinian leader launches election campaign, calls for an end to Israeli occupation

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) - Interim Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday called for Israel to end its occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip and free all prisoners in his first official campaign speech.

Speaking before hundreds of cheering supporters in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Abbas said he would remain steadfast in his demand for an independent Palestinian state.

"Israel must pull out of all Palestinian lands occupied in 1967. We must end the occupation," Abbas said.

He was referring to Israel's occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem during the 1967 Mideast war.

Abbas is the front-runner in the Palestinian presidential election to be held on Jan. 9.