Accra, April 21, GNA - Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, on

Friday urged Israel and Palestine to exploit the new political leadership in their respective countries to end the protracted feud that had undermined peace and stability in the Middle East.

He said the Hamas-led government in Palestine and the recently elected Kadima political administration in Israel, should respect agreements they had signed at the United Nations and the Regional level to end the bloodshed associated with the conflict.

Vice President Mahama who made the call at a meeting with the Palestinian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Saadi Altumaisi at the Osu Castle, said Ghana was worried about the unstable political situation in the Middle East.

" I hope that the successful election of Hamas and Kadima would commit the two political parties towards the peace process."

Vice President Mahama said Ghana was among the first countries in the world to recognise the State of Palestine and also hosted the late Leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, Yasser Arafat to open an office of the organisation in Ghana.

He asked the Ambassador who is on a four-year duty tour to strive to help deepen bilateral relations between Ghana and the State of Palestine.

Mr Altumaisi said Ghana was his maiden assignment to Africa and pledged to consolidate bilateral relations to sustain the solidarity Ghana had shown to the political struggles of Palestine over the years.

He said Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas was committed to the peace process, which had been bruised by the escalation of tension by Israel.

Mr Altumaisi said peace was vital to end the bloodshed and commended Ghana for the continuous support.

"Though we are very far away from Ghana, Palestinians recognise the role Ghana had played," he said.

International funding to Hamas has been slashed due to refusal of the political organisation to denounce violence against Israel and to recognance the Jewish State calved from Palestine. Israel had also withheld revenue meant for the Palestine State and had blocked all negotiations with Hamas.