Abbas Says Intends to Visit 'Sister' Iran, but Exact Date Not Yet Scheduled
Abbas tell reporters that while relationship with Islamic Republic 'hasn't been good,' Tehran approved, Iran is interested in improving ties with the Palestinian Authority.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Sunday that he intends to visit Iran, though an exact date has yet to be scheduled, adding that both sides were interested in postive ties between the two "states."
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"The details of the flight haven't been coordinated with Iranian officials yet," Abbas told Polish reporters in Ramallah, adding that he considers Iran a neighboring state and a "sister."
"Our relationship haven't been good but we have an embassy in Tehran, and therefore they recognize us," Abbas said. The Palestinian embassy is located in the former Israeli embassy, which was shut down after the Islamic Revolution, on Felestin Street in Tehran.
Abbas noted that a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization's executive committee approached Iran with the idea for the visit, and that Tehran approved, saying that Iran is interested in improving ties with the Palestinian Authority especially after the nuclear deal with world powers.
The Palestinian president made his remarks as Britain and Iran each reopened their respective embassies in each other's country, after four years of closure.
Abbas also commented on his resignation as chairman of the PLO's executive committee, saying his decision was prompted by the need to "allow the committee to work."
Regarding the Palestinian Authority's relationship with Israel, Abbas said that the Palestinians would return to the negotiation table once Israel stopped construction in the settlements.
Abbas also compared the Palestinian struggle to the Polish one: "Poland's experience in attaining independence is similar to ours. You fought 200 years for independence and in the end you achieved it. We hope to have the same success as you in establishing an independent state."