Ahern congratulates Abbas on election as Palestinian president

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has written to PLO chairman Mahmoud Abbas to congratulate him on his victory in the Palestinian presidential election.

Mr Abbas was elected to replace the late Yasser Arafat by a large majority at the weekend.

In his letter to the new Palestinian president, Mr Ahern reaffirmed Ireland's support for the Middle East peace process and praised Mr Abbas for his stance against violence.

The Taoiseach said immediate priorities in the region must be to improve security, end violence and ease restrictions on Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.