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.