On the Elections
“I commend and deeply respect the fact that the Israelis are giving Arabs the freedom to hold elections.”
– BBC reader Jamil Baroody from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
“In what other country do you see balloting for another state taking place on your own sovereign territory?”
– Israeli protester Meital Beiton
“Are you kidding? To bring a corrupt [Palestinian] authority here. This is just what we are missing.”
– an Arab taxi driver in Jerusalem, when asked if he was going to vote.
On the Result
– Newly-elected PA chairman Mahmud Abbas
“I am heartened by today’s strong turnout in the Palestinian elections. Palestinians throughout the West Bank and Gaza took a key step toward building a democratic future by choosing a new president in elections that observers described as largely free and fair. This is a historic day for the Palestinian people and for the people of the Middle East.”
– US President George W Bush
“I think this vote shows a change in the Palestinian street moving away from support of violence. We certainly welcome this and hope that from this mandate Abu Mazen will lead the Palestinian people on the path of reconciliation.”
– Sharon aide Raanan Gissin
“No incident, a strong turnout: It’s a proof of responsibility and maturity that the Palestinians have given..
– French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier
