theclash
04-26-2006, 05:42 PM
The Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has called for an immediate resumption of direct talks with Israel.
Mr Abbas suggested the talks could be held under the auspices of an international conference involving the US, EU, Russia and the UN. However, Israel said it would not participate in talks until the Hamas-led government rejected terrorism and recognised Israel.
Hamas made no comment on the suggestion by Mr Abbas.
Aid warning
The Palestinian leader was speaking in Oslo while on an overseas tour.
"I am ready to immediately resume negotiations with the Israeli government," Mr Abbas said in a speech at the Nobel Institute in Oslo.
"It is important for me to clarify that the Palestinian legislative elections, which brought Hamas to power, are not an obstacle to negotiations."
Mr Abbas also warned that there would be a humanitarian catastrophe if donors did not restore their financial support for the Palestinians.
Donors have demanded that the Hamas government renounce violence and recognise Israel as a condition of support.
The Norwegian government says it is looking at alternative ways of channelling aid, possibly through President Abbas's office.
The Palestinian leader is currently on an overseas tour, which takes him to Jordan, Turkey, Norway, Finland and France.
Source: BBC
Date: April 26th
Abbas has balls of steel and whatever his personal feelings, realises that in order for Palestine to move forward, it needs to talk to Israel. Fair play to him.
He's also managed to keep Hamas in check so far, keeping control of the Palestinian security forces, through sheer force of will and political talent.
Unfortunately, no chance of official talks until Hamas get the heave-ho. I hope this bloke sticks it out.
Mr Abbas suggested the talks could be held under the auspices of an international conference involving the US, EU, Russia and the UN. However, Israel said it would not participate in talks until the Hamas-led government rejected terrorism and recognised Israel.
Hamas made no comment on the suggestion by Mr Abbas.
Aid warning
The Palestinian leader was speaking in Oslo while on an overseas tour.
"I am ready to immediately resume negotiations with the Israeli government," Mr Abbas said in a speech at the Nobel Institute in Oslo.
"It is important for me to clarify that the Palestinian legislative elections, which brought Hamas to power, are not an obstacle to negotiations."
Mr Abbas also warned that there would be a humanitarian catastrophe if donors did not restore their financial support for the Palestinians.
Donors have demanded that the Hamas government renounce violence and recognise Israel as a condition of support.
The Norwegian government says it is looking at alternative ways of channelling aid, possibly through President Abbas's office.
The Palestinian leader is currently on an overseas tour, which takes him to Jordan, Turkey, Norway, Finland and France.
Source: BBC
Date: April 26th
Abbas has balls of steel and whatever his personal feelings, realises that in order for Palestine to move forward, it needs to talk to Israel. Fair play to him.
He's also managed to keep Hamas in check so far, keeping control of the Palestinian security forces, through sheer force of will and political talent.
Unfortunately, no chance of official talks until Hamas get the heave-ho. I hope this bloke sticks it out.