Solana expresses support for PA chairman

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana expressed his support on Monday for Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. "I wish to reiterate my support for President Abbas and his efforts to overcome the current political crisis for the benefit of all Palestinians," said Solana in a statement. "Palestinian people are undergoing very difficult times," he continued. "Violence in the streets must stop. I call on all Palestinians to exercise restraint and to calm the situation down."