国际英语新闻：Brazilian President reaffirms support to Palestinian state

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reaffirmed on Wednesday his support to a Palestinian state and said he is willing to do whatever he can to help the Palestinian people.

Government news agency Agencia Brasil quoted the President as saying that he supports an independent Palestinian state, and believes that Palestinian and Israeli will find a way to share " their predecessors' land."

In a visit to Ramallah, President Lula christened the Brazil Street, located in front of the Palestinian Authority headquarters. He said he was happy to christen the street, which according to him represents the love between the Palestinian and Brazilian people.

Lula also put flowers on the grave of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, died in 2004.

The Brazilian President criticized the construction of the Israeli West Bank barrier, saying that it is the cause of great human suffering.

"It divides families, drives friends apart, disarticulates the production and as a consequence scares away the investments," he said.

Lula also said that the Palestinian people need union and called on the Hamas and the Fatah to join forces. He said he would be willing to meet Hamas leaders.

"Brazil is willing to talk to everyone, with whoever is at the negotiation table, and there is not a political force, of left of right, with which Brazil cannot talk. All forces should participate in the peace process," he said.

After visiting Ramallah, the Brazilian President headed to Jordan, where he met with Kind Abdullah II and Queen Rania. Jordan is the last leg of Lula's trip to the Mid-East.