BAGHDAD, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday discussed with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi the situation in Palestine, especially Jerusalem.
"I briefed the Iraqi prime minister on the developments of situations in Palestine and the violations against Jerusalem," Abbas said at a joint press conference after a meeting with Abdul Mahdi.
Abbas also said he explained to Abdul Mahdi the decision of the Palestinian government to reject the U.S. peace plan.
"The U.S. government proved that it was not neutral after it recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, which led us to reject its peace plan," he noted.
For his part, Abdul Mahdi highlighted the Palestinian issue as central to the region, saying Iraq "will continue to defend the right of the Palestinian people."
"Iraq has a strong presence in the region, which would enable it to help achieve the demands of the Palestinian people," the Iraqi prime minister said.
Abbas arrived in Iraq's capital Baghdad on Sunday afternoon heading a high-level delegation including Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki, for a visit aimed at discussing the current political situation, particularly the Palestinian cause, and ways to promote bilateral relations in all fields.
Earlier, Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim tweeted that Abbas and al-Malki will visit Iraq on March 3 and 4 without giving further details.
