国际英语新闻：On day of solidarity, PNA leader says Palestine "still able to carry the olive branch"

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- At the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People here Monday, Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of Palestine to the United Nations, read a message from Palestinian National Authority (PNA) President Mahmoud Abbas affirming Palestine's commitment to peace if certain conditions are met by Israel.

"We renew to all of you our gratitude and appreciation for your good efforts and your firm and constant solidarity with the cause of our people," Abbas' message said. "And, I renew my message to the Israeli people that our hand is still able to carry the olive branch, from the rubble, and will remain stretched for a just peace in order to secure a safe future for our children and their children."

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is celebrated each year on or around Nov. 29, the anniversary of the adoption of Security Council Resolution 181, which attempted to establish an Arab and Jewish state in the region. To commemorate the day, the UN and civil society hold meetings and cultural events related to Palestinian rights.

The issue of Israel and Palestine came to the forefront this year as the two resumed peace talks under the auspices of the United States and international observers.

"We had hoped that the resumption of negotiations on the final status issues and a permanent settlement, after removing the obstacles they face, would constitute a serious and true beginning to achieving genuine and lasting peace and security between us and Israel," Abbas'statement said.

Talks faltered when Israel chose not to renew a moratorium on settlements that ended in September.

Abbas'statement said that a proper atmosphere for negotiations towards a "genuine and lasting peace and security" can only be achieved if the Israelis withdraw from settlements.

"This requires bringing a decisive and final end to vicious Israeli colonial settlement campaign in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, which constitutes a time bomb that could destroy everything we have accomplished on the road to peace at any moment," it said.

Abbas assured that Palestine will continue to engage with the international community in the peace process.

"There is no way to attain a real, lasting and comprehensive peace that is not based on the resolutions of international legitimacy, which call upon Israel to completely withdraw from all occupied Palestinian and Arab territories," his statement said. " The alternative is to slip further towards the unknown."