Hamas optimistic over reconciliation

Source: Press TV, 27-10-2008

Hamas says the upcoming Egyptian-sponsored reconciliation talks may be successful, providing that there are no external interventions.

"If the foreign hands do not intervene and the voices that try to sow discord among the Palestinians are silenced, then the dialogue may succeed," Hamas' interior minister Sa'id Siyam told reporters on Monday.

Siyam said that unlike the previous talks any agreement achieved should be comprehensive and should include both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

He also said Hamas doesn't mind resorting to Arab experts, and added that the Palestinians need "sincere help from their Arab brothers".

Egypt, which is trying to mediate in the dispute among the Palestinian rival factions, is expected to host a national Palestinian dialogue on Nov. 9. The key issues are timing of new presidential and parliamentary elections, a national unity government and reforming security services.

Meanwhile, Fatah movement announced on Sunday that it officially accepts the Egyptian draft for ending the internal Palestinian rift although the draft has some sections that require more explanations but the movement does not have any reservations on the initiative, International Middle East Media Center reported.