Friday, May 20 2005 18:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India today (May 20, 2005) announced an aid of nearly Rs 65 crore for developmental projects in Palestine as it affirmed its unwavered support to the Palestinian cause and supported a negotiated settlement to the West Asia problem.

As the President of Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas wound up his first visit in New Delhi, New Delhi said the cycle of violence in occupied territories should end as it would be "counter-productive" for peace in the region.

During his two-day stay, Abbas met President A P J Abdul Kalam and held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He also met UPA (United Progressive Alliance) chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

The Prime Minister conveyed to Abbas India's continued support to Palestinian cause and promised to "do whatever could be to help the Palestinian people and the State," secretary (East) in the External Affairs Ministry Rajiv Sikri told reporters in New Delhi.

He said the Indian side promised to provide an assistance of $ 1.5 crore (approximately Rs 65 crore) for various projects in Palestine including those in the areas of infrastructure development and social sector.

A plot of land meant for Palestinian Embassy here has also been gifted to the PLA, he said.

India has earlier also been giving assistance to Palestinian people and Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed himself carried vehicles and medicines there last year.

Sikri said Palestinians have been keen that the international community, including India, should influence Israel to be accommodative.

"We have been supporting the Palestinian cause at all fora," he said.

To a question, he said India has been urging Israel during dialogues as well as publicly to carry forward the dialogue process and feels that there is "no alternative to negotiated settlement" to the problem.

He said India is in favour of formation of the Palestinian State through a manner, which is viable.

"The cycle of violence is counter-productive. We urge for discussions and negotiations," Sikri said, adding India will help in the search for a solution.

Abbas told the Prime Minister that he was committed to non-violence and negotiated settlement of the problem. He briefed the Prime Minister on the situation in the "occupied territories".

Describing Abbas' visit as an important one, he said it would help strengthen India's relations not only with Palestinian people but the entire Arab world to which New Delhi attaches great importance.

Noting that India's relations had been "very close and historical" with Palestinian people, particularly their late leader Yasser Arafat, Sikri said, "The visit provided an opportunity to build on and develop that relationship with the new leadership."

He said India's "consistent and unwavering support" filled with empathy was reflected by the frequent exchange of high-level visits and appointment of a Special Envoy for West Asia by New Delhi.