Thursday, May 19 2005 22:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Palestinian National Authority president Mahmoud Abbas arrived tonight (May 19, 2005) on a two-day visit, as India hoped there would be "comprehensive peace" in the Middle East.

Shortly after his arrival at Delhi Airport where he was warmly received by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed, Abbas met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his Race Course Road residence and briefed him on the latest developments in the Middle-East peace process.

This is his first top level political contact with Indian leadership after he was elected to the key post held by Yasser Arafat.

"We hope comprehensive peace will prevail there (Middle East)," Ahamed told reporters.

India, he said, has always continued to extend its unwavering support to the Palestinian cause and their inalienable right to Palestinian State.

India feels that the peace process should be expedited, Ahamed said. He noted that India had been providing assistance to Palestine, which included Rs two crore worth medicines last September.

Abbas, chairman of the executive committee of the PLO, will tomorrow (May 20, 2005) call on President A P J Abdul Kalam and hold meetings with United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi and External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh.