The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Ramallah

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Saturday said peace is the only way despite Israeli attacks on the Palestinians. "Despite all the Israeli attacks we call for peace and we are keen on peace built on international legitimacy," Abbas said in a speech at his Ramallah headquarters to mark International Women's Day. "There is no other way but peace." But Abbas said several issues must first be resolved such as the status of east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians want as capital of their future state, the problem of refugees, Jewish settlements and prisoners held by Israel. "We want a just and comprehensive peace agreement," Abbas said. On Sunday, Abbas suspended peace negotiations with the Israelis in protest at massive Israeli army raids on the Gaza Strip over the past week aimed at stopping rocket fire from the Hamas-run territory. More than 126 Palestinians were killed in the attacks, including children and other civilians, as well as two Israeli soldier and one civilian. After talks this week with visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the Palestinian president said he intended to resume peace talks with Israel.