Chief of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Mahmoud Abbas on Friday called for the resumption of the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in response to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's call.

Sharon on Thursday called upon the new Palestinian leadership headed by Abbas to end anti-Israeli propaganda and change the Palestinian education system. He also signaled that he was dropping a key demand for resuming peace talks -- a Palestinian crackdown on militant groups.

When asked by reporters in Gaza over Sharon's statements, Abbas said "it could be that we have such issues (incitements) but the Israelis have more." said Abbas.

Israel should also change its policy and end incitement against the Palestinians, Abbas said.

As for the presidential elections on Jan. 9, Abbas said the Palestinian National Authority was making contacts with the international community in this regard.

"One of the major obstacles is the Israeli occupation. Therefore, we are in contact with the world leaders to help us remove this obstacle," said Abbas.

The PLO leader has decided to extend his stay in Gaza to negotiate with other Palestinian factions, including Hamas and the Islamic Jihad (Holy War), in a bid to persuade them to accept his policy and participate in the decision-making.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2004)