Palestine Liberation Organization chairman Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday he believes that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is a partner for peace negotiations, while calling for immediate resumption of talks.
Abbas, who is campaigning for Sunday's presidential elections in the West Bank city of Nablus, said "I can't say he (Sharon) is not a partner", when answering questions of journalists.
"Sharon was elected by his Israeli people and I can't say that he is not a peace partner. If he (Sharon) is serious or not serious, the renewed talks between us would reveal that," said Abbas.
He expressed readiness to hold talks with Israel based on the roadmap plan for peace in the Middle East right after Sunday's presidential elections, adding "after the elections, for sure I will start negotiating with the Israelis."
"We have to put on the negotiation table the roadmap plan and tell the Israelis we are ready to implement its text and its spirit," said Abbas.
In relation to the Palestinian elections, Abbas said "they talked about pullout three days before and after the elections, and we are calling for a complete permanent Israeli army withdrawal from the occupied territories."
Abbas renewed his pledge to protect the Palestinian militants who are wanted by Israel, adding "they are part of our people and we are committed to bring them a good life."
Abbas revealed that he had this agreement when he met with Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, when Abbas was the prime minister for 100 days for the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).
"There is an agreement reached with Mofaz when I was a prime minister," said Abbas, adding Israel would stop arresting wanted militants as well as assassination and the Israeli army would pull out from the Palestinian cities.
In accordance with the deal reached about one year and a half ago, militants should end their attacks on Israel.
"This is what I'm seeking to achieve after the Jan. 9th elections," said Abbas, adding that "we have no military equivalence with Israel therefore the peaceful solution is more beneficial," said Abbas.