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| Middle East |
| PA elections: Hamas, Islamic Jihad criticize, but may not boycott |
| 2002-06-27 |
| Palestinian movements Hamas and Islamic Jihad lashed out at plans for elections next year, but refrained from announcing a boycott of the event. "The elections are a response precipitated by American pressures," said Islamic Jihad leader Mohammed al Hindi in reaction to Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat's announcement of presidential and legislative elections in January 2003, with local elections slated for March 2003. Al Hindi accused the United States of wanting "to abort the intifada." He added the scheduling of local elections for March was meant to tip momentum towards the Palestinian "peace camp" and away from those opposed to a negotiated settlement with Israel. Uhuh. And yer point? For his part, Hamas leader Ismail Haniya described the elections as "unfolding within the framework of Oslo." "All elections must take into account the reality created on the ground by the intifada," he said. Ismail, the Oslo gambit is now officially pureed. The peace procesor is unplugged, washed up, and put away. So go throw stones at somebody. Or explode. |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |