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| Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
| Fatah spokesperson blames 'Hamas preconditions' for lack of dialogue |
| 2007-12-17 |
| Ma'an – Fatah's West Bank spokesperson said Hamas is not doing enough to substantiate calls for dialogue between the rival Palestinian movements on Sunday. Fatah spokesperson Fahmi Za'arir said deposed Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh "is stipulating an unachievable precondition," in his speech to Hamas supporters in Gaza City on Saturday. At a massive rally marking the 20th anniversary of Hamas' founding, Haniyeh, the de facto ruler of the Gaza Strip said "Hamas will not accept any conditions and all issues should be put on the table." Za'arir criticized the speech, saying: "Haniyeh's speech attempted to conceal his weakness through shouting in a high rhythm. However, that will not be enough excuse for him or his movement. Haniyeh spoke about one victim and neglected hundreds thinking that the Palestinian people will forgive the killers of Fatah's leaders as well as Palestinian children." Since Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in mid-June, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas fired the Hamas-Fatah Unity Government, appointing a caretaker government that holds power in the West Bank. Fatah has called on Hamas to relinquish control of the coastal Strip before beginning negotiations, while Hamas has called for reform of the security services. |
| Posted by:Fred |