Abbas is in Tokyo

The chairman of the Palestinian authority Mahmoud Abbas called on Japan for continued support for the Palestinians at the economic and political levels with their moves towards the foundation of the independent Palestinian state.

Abbas said inatthe beginning of his first visit carried out by a Palestinian leader to Japan within five years that he expects the Japanese support will not be limited not only to financial aids, noting the importance that Tokyo will play a role in the Middle East peace process.

Abbas was due to meet with the Japanese prime minister on Monday evening. He will be leaving Tuesday to China. He will be meeting with the American president George W. Bush in Washington on May 26th.