Abbas given assurances on Palestinian vote in Jerusalem

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said today that Palestinian parliamentary elections will take place as scheduled, on January 25, after he received US assurances that Arab residents of Jerusalem will be able to cast their ballots in the city.

“The elections will proceed and God willing take place on time,” Abbas told reporters in Gaza City.

Israel initially threatened to ban Palestinian voting in Jerusalem, but in a first reversal today permitted campaigning in the city claimed by both sides as a capital.

Abbas also called on gunmen to stay away from polling stations.

He said he spoke to regional governors in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and informed them “that they must protect this democratic day, even with force.”