Hollande congratulates Abbas on new government, welcomes pledge to peace

French President Francois Hollande on Thursday congratulated Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the formation of his new unity government, and its commitment to work for peace with Israel.

During his telephone conversation with Abbas, Hollande "welcomed the commitment by the Palestinian president that the new government will reject violence, remain committed to the peace process and abide by agreements already reached, "said a statement from the French president. (AFP)