Monday
Oct192009
Palestine: Will Hamas Return to Cairo Talks Bring Agreement?
Monday, October 19, 2009 at 10:39
Receive our latest updates by email or RSS SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEED
Buy Us A Cup of Coffee? Help Enduring America Expand Its Coverage and Analysis
Although Egypt said on Saturday that a reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah had been postponed due to "inappropriate condition", it appears the U.S. reaction has prodded Hamas to return to the negotiation table. On Sunday, in an interview with Palestine Note, Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal confirmed that the Islamist group will send a delegation to Cairo.
The parties were supposed to meet in Cairo last Thursday, but only Fatah showed up to sign the reconciliation agreement without any reservations. If appears that, after Hamas asked for a few days to wait and see, Meshaal has changed his mind; however, Hamas has not given a guarantee that they will accept the dcoument. Hamas' deputy political leader, Abu Marzouk, has reiterated the reservations of Hamas over the US demand for recognition of the principles of the Quartet (US, European Union, UN, Russia). Marzouk also insisted on international recognition if Hamas wins Palestinian elections and on the re-opening of the Gaza-Egypt border crossing at Rafah.
Hamas delegates are going to Cairo and gives the message to Washington: "We are in," but will they arrive there with an "uncompromising" position towards the US as well as Fatah?
Buy Us A Cup of Coffee? Help Enduring America Expand Its Coverage and Analysis
Although Egypt said on Saturday that a reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah had been postponed due to "inappropriate condition", it appears the U.S. reaction has prodded Hamas to return to the negotiation table. On Sunday, in an interview with Palestine Note, Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal confirmed that the Islamist group will send a delegation to Cairo.
The parties were supposed to meet in Cairo last Thursday, but only Fatah showed up to sign the reconciliation agreement without any reservations. If appears that, after Hamas asked for a few days to wait and see, Meshaal has changed his mind; however, Hamas has not given a guarantee that they will accept the dcoument. Hamas' deputy political leader, Abu Marzouk, has reiterated the reservations of Hamas over the US demand for recognition of the principles of the Quartet (US, European Union, UN, Russia). Marzouk also insisted on international recognition if Hamas wins Palestinian elections and on the re-opening of the Gaza-Egypt border crossing at Rafah.
Hamas delegates are going to Cairo and gives the message to Washington: "We are in," but will they arrive there with an "uncompromising" position towards the US as well as Fatah?
UEFA president Michel Platini said, during a visit to Jerusalem on Tuesday, that he believes