BEIJING - Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas warned in comments published on Thursday that relations between the Palestinians and Israelis remain so sensitive that the smallest provocation could trigger large violent clashes.
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"Currently, the situation is rather sensitive. Temporary quietness is very fragile, and a very tiny spark of fire could trigger large violent clashes," he said in an interview with Xinhua news agency. "There are indeed many problems existing between Palestine and Israel, nevertheless, they are not unsolvable," he said.
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Abbas admitted differences between the various Palestinian factions was a problem, but said he was confident of the future. "We have agreements among different fractions, hostile conflicts are unlikely to break out. I'm fully capable of controlling the situation," he said.
"I look forward to strengthening internal unity and making progress in political restructuring," he added.
In the interview, he said war could not be accepted and vowed to dedicate his life to leading his people towards a peaceful existence. "I have a dream: I hope my children can live in an independent state of Palestine free of worries in the future," he said. "I need peace, not violence. The Palestinian people need someone to lead them towards such a life. I believe I can make it."
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