President Abbas expresses hopes Palestinian state would be established by 2011

Washington, Dec 25 (ANI): Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who travelled to Bethlehem to greet Christmas revellers in the West Bank city, has said that he hopes a Palestinian state would be established by next year.

"We are seekers of peace in the path of Jesus. We hope that next year will be a year of peace by establishing the independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security," The Jerusalem Post quoted Abbas, as saying.

The birthplace of Jesus celebrated its merriest Christmas in years, as thousands of tourists thronged the West Bank town for the annual holiday festivities. According to officials, the turnout was shaping up to be the largest since 2000. (ANI)