Two Palestinian commitments

Speaking prior to Livni, al-Malki reiterated that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) also remain dedicated to a peaceful solution to the historical conflict.

In his address given in English, the minister highlighted two commitments by the Palestinian side: one is to the negotiation process, and the other is to a two-state solution.

"Negotiation is our strategic choice," and the PNA will commit all its resources to securing its success, said al-Malki. Noting the little achievements ten months after the Annapolis conference, he called to advance the ongoing talks into negotiations of substance.

Meanwhile, he assured the Israelis that the "official position" of the PNA is still to strive for a separate Palestinian state alongside the Jewish state, although appeals are increasing within the Palestinians for a one-state solution, a scenario Israel rejects out of demographic concerns.

Turning to the Israeli side, al-Malki said he hopes that Livni will succeed in the cabinet-making efforts, "because this will also show continuity and commitment to the peace process and to the negotiations for a Palestinian state.

He also referred to the upcoming leadership change in the United States, a main player behind the Mideast peace process, saying that "a big difference" exists between the two presidential candidates Barak Obama and John McCain vis-a-vis the situation in the Middle East, without elaborating.

(Xinhua News Agency October 6, 2008)