(CNSNews.com) - Some U.S. lawmakers don't like what they're hearing from Mahmoud Abbas, a leading candidate in the upcoming Palestinian presidential election.

"Mahmoud Abbas has described the state of Israel as a 'Zionist enemy,' and insisted that Palestinian refugees have the right to return. These statements are not helpful to the peace process," said Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the chief deputy majority whip.

"The recent pictures of Mr. Abbas campaigning with Palestinian terrorists are a sign that perhaps Mr. Abbas is not serious about removing the terrorist scourge associated with Palestinian Authority," Cantor said in a press release.

"The only way to bring peace to Israel is to forcefully disarm these militants and end their reign of murder and terror. What kind of leadership can Mr. Abbas possibly provide now that he has publicly declared that he will never take up arms against these terrorists?

Cantor said Palestinian leaders must take reasonable steps towards ending terrorism if they expect to bring peace to the region. The Palestinian election is on Sunday.

See Earlier Story:
Leading Palestinian Candidate Calls Israel 'Zionist Enemy' (4 Jan. 2004)