 A top US senator yesterday praised Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as a tremendous leader in the face of fierce criticism of Abbas by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. US Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist described Abbas as a "bold leader" whom the United States encouraged to continue to lead "as we proceed along the road map".
| Had to swallow hard to say all that, did he? |
"He has shown tremendous leadership," said Frist, reading a statement to reporters in the West Bank city of Ramallah. During hour-long talks with Abbas on Monday, the senator said he "commended the president for his strong leadership, for his commitment to the Palestinian people and to his commitment to reforms," both economic and security. "It's been a pleasure to be here today to express the support of the (US) president (George W. Bush) and his Cabinet," Frist said. |