Date:10/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/10/stories/2008101060131200.htm

National

India reiterates support for Palestine cause

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday reiterated its well-known support for the Palestine cause and called for an end to the expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine along with an easing of restrictions for free movement within the area.

“India also called for an end to the expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine and for an early and significant easing of restrictions on the free movement of persons and goods within Palestine,” a joint statement issued here at the end of the four-day State visit by the President of the Palestine National Authority, Mohmoud Abbas, said.

During the visit, Mr. Abbas who was accompanied by the Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Malki, Advisor to the President Nabil Abu Rdeinhe and other officials, held wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The visiting dignitaries also called on President Pratibha Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance, Sonia Gandhi and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, L.K. Advani.

In the course of discussions, India renewed its commitment to the economic development of Palestine, including through provision of assistance to the capacity-building efforts of Palestine National Authority.

Both India and Palestine decided to accelerate the implementation of projects already identified on the basis of a process of re-prioritisation based on mutual consultations. They also agreed to consider the formation of a Joint Committee to discuss bilateral economic cooperation activities.

While a memorandum of understanding regarding construction and equipping of the Jawaharlal Nehru High School at Abu Dees was signed during the visit, it was also announced that India has increased the number of training slots available for Palestinian nationals under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme to 60 each year.

India and Palestine will also work together to develop an information technology park in Palestine and the two countries will also explore ways of cooperating in the water resources sector, the statement added.