Resolution of Palestine issue key to peace, stability in region: President Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee has said that India attaches great importance to its friendship with Palestine, adding that resolution of the Palestinian issue is the key to peace and stability in the region.

Speaking at a banquet hosted by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas here yesterday, President Mukherjee said that leadership across political parties in India is 'unwavering and steadfast' in its support to the Palestinian cause.

"India's empathy with the Palestinian cause and its friendship with the people of Palestine have become an integral part of our foreign policy. India has always stood beside Palestine. India's policy on Palestine has three core dimensions: solidarity with the Palestinian people; support to the Palestinian cause; and, partnership in Palestine's nation and capacity building efforts," President Mukherjee said.

"The Indian leadership, across the political spectrum, remains unwavering and steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause," he added.

President Mukherjee further said India is concerned about the stalled peace process.

"India supports a negotiated solution, resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. We would like to see the people of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel, as endorsed in the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet road map and relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions," he said.

The President further said that dialogue is the only viable option for solution of the Palestinian issue, adding that diplomacy and statesmanship have to prevail over hatred and violence.