Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he's optimistic Palestinians and Israelis can take advantage of a "new era of peace and hope" to reach a final peace deal. Abbas made the remark during his first visit to EU headquarters as the Palestinian Authority's new leader. He was there on Wednesday to drum up support from the 25-nation bloc for his reforms to prepare for statehood.

The Palestinian leader reiterated he's serious in implementing reforms to rein in militants.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said, "Now we're talking about a new era of peace and hope and I hope that this support from European Union will continue and that the projects that this support is directed to will continue, will be maintained and will not be destroyed."

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told Abbas the Commission is seeking commitments from Israelis to ensure building projects funded by the EU were no longer targeted. The EU is providing some US$330 million in funding this year to the Palestinian Authority.

In earlier talks with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, Abbas said he wanted Palestinian statehood "as soon as possible." Solana reaffirmed the EU commitment.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana said, "The president can be assured that the European Union is going to be behind the Palestinian people for the realization of their dream. The dream is clear: to have one state and a state that can live together in peace with the neighboring states, with Israel and with the other countries around the Palestinians, and they can have a prosperous state. It's a country and a people who have suffered a lot."

Abbas flew to Brussels after attending an international conference on the Middle East in London. He ended his visit on Wednesday with a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. The two discussed the conclusions of the London summit and economic assistance for Palestinians.

(CCTV.com March 3, 2005)