Thursday, May 19 2005 20:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas today (May 19, 2005) said he "greatly valued" efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan and asked Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to use his good offices to resolve the Palestine-Israel conflict.

Speaking to reporters after talks with Musharraf during his brief visit, Abbas applauded efforts by the President for establishment of peace and stability in South Asia through resolution of Jammu and Kashmir issue.

"We greatly value President Musharraf's efforts aimed at peaceful resolution" of Kashmir issue, Abbas said adding the General can play "a very significant and effective role in resolving the Palestinian question as he is an acknowledged world leader, who enjoys great respect for his vision and policies."

Palestinians would like to benefit from the good offices of the Pakistani leader and hoped President Musharraf will put his political weight behind efforts for a just resolution of the lingering (Palestine-Israel) dispute, he said.

For his part, Musharraf said Pakistan "will continue to extend its support for the cause of the Palestinian people on international forums."

"We will provide the Palestinian people political support for dispute resolution," he said adding Islamabad believed that Al-Quds Al-Sharif should be the capital of an independent Palestinian State.

Abbas will arrive in New Delhi tonight on a two-day visit to brief Indian leaders on latest developments in the Middle-East peace process, in his first top level political contact with Indian leadership after being elected to the key post held by Yasser Arafat.