Palestinian leader hopes for talks with new 'Israeli' government

• Abbas said that the Palestinian leadership has long extended a hand toward achieving peace
• Speaking during a joint appearance with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia, Abbas urged regional neighbors to play a constructive mediation role in supporting upcoming peace efforts

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed hope on Thursday that the establishment of a new 'Israeli' government will allow both sides to restart diplomatic dialogue and to "achieve peace" with 'Israel'. 

Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia, Abbas reiterated the Palestinian Authority’s longstanding position favoring direct negotiations to achieve regional stability.

"For many years now, we have been extending a hand to the Israeli side in order to achieve peace with them, so that Israel and Palestine may live in security, stability and peace," Abbas said. "We hope that peace will prevail not only between us and Israel, but also between Israel and all its Arab and Islamic neighbours."

With 'Israeli' political factions engaged in coalition talks to determine the shape of the next government following legislative elections, Abbas signaled readiness to initiate talks once a governing team is assembled.

"We hope that, immediately after a new Israeli government is formed, we will be able to engage in dialogue together," the Palestinian leader added.

Abbas also called on regional neighbors, specifically addressing Cyprus, to assist in facilitating renewed engagement between 'Israel' and Palestine. 

"We hope that you will play a role in this," Abbas told his Cypriot counterpart. "You are neighbours, you are from the region and your intentions are good and you love peace. That is why we say that you are capable of playing a positive role in this matter."