PA officials seek US support

GAZA, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- A Palestinian official says Sunday talks with Deputy U.S. Secretary of State William Burns focused on supporting the Palestinian Authority.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh told reporters after the Ramallah meeting that PLO chairman Mahmoud Abbas, and PM Ahmed Qureia and other Palestinian leaders asked the United States for help in holding Palestinian elections.

Abu Rudenineh said the Palestinians explained to Burns the United States must understand that given the current political situation, an Israeli pullout just from Gaza won't be enough.

He said PA officials want the United States and the European Union to send international observers to the Palestinian territories to monitor the elections.

Abu Rudeineh said Palestinians want to elect a new president "that earns the support of the Palestinian people and the support of the United States."