New Palestinian leader

In the first election in nine years for president of the Palestinian Authority, the people chose Mahmoud Abbas, who is eager for peace talks with Israel.

In his victory speech, the new president said, "We offer this victory to the soul of the brother martyr Yasser Arafat and to our people, to our martyrs and to 11,000 prisoners" in Israel. Abbas called for unity of the Palestinians.

The key to his success lies in his relations with the radical elements. In the regional election held last month, Hamas-backed candidates made strong showings. Wide-ranging services, such as welfare and medical services provided by Hamas, have won wide support by the populace. In the election of the Palestinian Council, the national legislature, to be held in July, Hamas will field many candidates.

Encouraging the radical elements to participate in politics rather than leaving them out on a limb will strengthen the unity of the Palestinians.

-- The Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo