Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas voiced hope that an independent Palestinian state would be established by the end of this year, Palestinian WAFA news agency reported on its Arabic page.

We hope this year could be a good one for the Palestinian cause and could bring independence to Palestinians through establishing an independent Palestinian state according to the pre-June 5, 1967 borders, Abbas said on Monday.

Those remarks were made after Abbas laid down a wreath on the tomb of former Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. 

Meanwhile, Abbas expressed hope this year could witness more efforts to solve all outstanding issues with Israel.

Source: MENA