(VOVworld) – Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas says he his committed to resuming peace talks with Israel “on the basis of the Arab peace initiatives and UN resolutions”.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas with PM of Japan Shinzo Abe, Ramallah, January 20, 2015 (Photo:Reuters)

Speaking to reporters after meeting in Ramallah with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Abbas said Israel can’t achieve peace through punishment of Palestine, racist discrimination, and continued incarceration of thousands of prisoners. The Palestinian leader discussed with the Japanese Prime Minister the latest developments of the peace talks and his effort to seek a UN Security resolution that establishes a timeline for an Israeli withdrawal to the pre- 1967 borders. Mr. Abbas expressed solidarity with Japan in the wake of the threat by the Islamic State to execute two Japanese hostages, adding that  these cruel actions are in violation of all moral and humane values. Abbas also thanked Japan for its support for Palestinian refugees over the past few decades and the 2012 Palestinian statehood bid at the United Nations.