Singh: India supports Palestinian cause

India supports the Palestinian cause and its people's struggle to achieve a sovereign, independent, viable and united state, said Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh here Tuesday during a joint meeting with visiting Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas. The Indian PM also committed a USD ten million aid to Palestine for this year's budget to help address its financial requirements. The Indian Premier told the media "Support for the Palestinian cause has been a cornerstone of India's foreign policy. During our meeting, I reiterated India's firm support for the struggle of the Palestinian people to achieve a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel." Singh further stated that New Delhi wishes that Palestine and Israel resolve their bilateral issues amicably and live in peace, adding, "India had played an active role in supporting the efforts of the State of Palestine to secure full membership status at UNESCO. We will continue to support Palestine's bid for full and equal membership of the UN." Dr. Singh also stated "We also look forward to early resumption of peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis leading to a comprehensive resolution between the two sides." According to the Indian Premier, New Delhi would continue to support the development and nation-building efforts of Palestine. " The MoUs signed today are indicative of our commitment to contribute in the areas of Information and Communication Technology, vocational training and education," he stated. Earlier today President Mahmoud Abbas met with his Indian Counterpart Pranab Mukherjee at the outset of his visit to New Delhi. Abbas discussed with his Indian counterpart bilateral relations and ways of enhancing them and peace process in the Middle East as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern, especially the current political situation in West Asia. The Palestinian President had arrived in the Indian capital of New Delhi on Monday evening on a three-day state visit where he is also scheduled to hold talks with Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari and Minister of External Affairs S. M. Krishna. The two sides will also sign memoranda of understanding for cooperation in information technology and communication field as well as expanding vocational training and school construction in Palestine.