ArmenPress
Jan 12 2004

KOCHARIAN CONGRATULATES NEW PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT

YEREVAN, JANUARY 12, ARMENPRESS: Armenian president Robert
Kocharian welcomed the election of Mahmoud Abbas as president of the
Palestinian Authority in January 9 election, saying in a
congratulatory message that Armenia hopes that the new Palestinian
leader will restore Middle East peace talks and work toward
establishing stability in the region. Kocharian also wished Mahmoud
Abbas good health and fruitful activity.
“Our government assesses the decisive majority of votes you
received in the polls as a significant momentum for peace and
stability in the Middle East,” Kocharian’s message said.
Abbas, who enjoys broad international support, replaces Yasser
Arafat, who dominated Palestinian politics for 40 years until his
death in November.