Abbas: I'll Kiss any Israeli leader's Ass for $$$

Palestinian president admits peace deal delayed because of internal situation in Israel, rejects any possibility of partial 'declaration of principles'

As the election campaign in Israel heats up – and is mixed with the diplomatic and security-related dilemmas, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas clarifies he will work with any elected Israeli prime minister.


"Like I said about (US President-elect Barack) Obama and (presidential candidate John) McCain, here too we'll work with any elected prime minister – be it (Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi) Livni or (Likud Chairman Benjamin) Netanyahu," Abbas said Thursday in an interview with the London-based Arabic-language al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper.

Asked about the complex political situation in Israel, the Palestinian president noted, "(Prime Minister Ehud) Olmert is accused of many things and he now serves as a sort of replacement. But as long as he sits in the prime minister's chair, I'll meet with him." More?