Friday, November 18 2005 14:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ramallah: Welcoming India's special envoy to the Middle East, Chinmaya Gharekhan's visit to the region, the Palestinian Authority has noted that New Delhi's initiative could push forward the peace process in the Middle East.

"India, through its special envoy, can play an important role in bridging the differences between the two parties and push forward the peace process," PA foreign ministry spokesman Imeag Zuheiri told sources yesterday (Nov 18, 2005).

"We are confident the Indian government will continue to take keen interest in solving the region's problems," he said.

The PA foreign ministry said in a statement that India's pledge of USD 15 million to the Authority would also go a long way in revitalising Palestinian economy.

Gharekhan, who arrived in Gaza City yesterday, would be meeting Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei, Foreign Affairs Minister Naser Al-Kidwa, Interior Minister Nasser Youssef and several members of the Palestinian Legislative Council as also academics during his three-day visit.

"The visit reflects the traditional support of India for the Palestinian people, the importance attached by the Indian government to the Middle East peace process and the efforts to promote it, and to strengthening India's relations with the countries in the region," the ministry statement said.

Discussions during Gharekhan's visit would focus on current developments in the political scenario and on ways to strengthen Palestinian-Indian bilateral ties, it said.

Earlier this week, Gharekhan met Israel's Vice-Premier Shimon Peres and welcomed the Gaza crossings deal struck between the two sides. He also urged them to commit to the internationally brokered 'road map' plan for peace.