Syria, Damascus, May 23 / Trend , U.Sadikova /
Mahmoud Abbas's visit to Washington will increase support by the United States in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the background of statements by President Barack Obama on the need to establish peace in the Middle East by any means, Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Autonomy Riyad al-Maliki told Trend .
"The Palestinian administration hopes for the statements by Obama regarding the need for peace in the Middle East because the United States is the only country in the world that can put pressure on Israel," said al-Maliki in Damascus, where the 36th meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Conference started on May 23. The ministers will discuss the promotion of Arab-Israeli peace process, considering Israel's refusal to continue it, as well as lifting the blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid to the enclave.
Al-Maliki added that the Palestinians had hoped the statement by Obama in Egypt in June, which will force Israel to recognize Palestinian state.