WAM Jerusalem, July 9th, 2012 (WAM) -- The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas yesterday met the visiting European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

In a joint press conference with Barroso after meeting in Ramallah, President Mahmoud Abbas stressed that the suspension of voter registration in the Gaza Strip had halted the reconciliation process with Hamas agreed before in Doha and Cairo.

Abbas thanked Barroso for European support to the Palestinian people, after discussing the current financial crisis faced by the Palestinian Authority.

He also told Barroso that he could begin again with Israel if they agree to release prisoners who were detained before 1993.

Barroso told Abbas he recognizes the importance of the reconciliation process and elections, expressing confidence that Palestinian leaders will commit to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

He reiterated that the EU is committed to an independent Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel, stressing that there is no alternative to peace talks.

WAM/ES/AM