Hamas asks Egypt to extend unity deadline

Published yesterday (updated) 16/10/2009 10:39

 Gaza – Ma’an –

Hamas has asked Egypt to allow three more days for it to discuss a proposal for reconciliation with archrival Fat'h, a senior official in Gaza said on Thursday.

Fat'h signed the agreement on Wednesday, a day before a deadline set by Egypt for the two factions to respond to the proposal.

“Hamas is interested in continuing dialogue both internally and with other factions in order to choose the best time and atmosphere to sign a reconciliation agreement,” Hamas leader Ismail Radwan said on Thursday.

“Soon after the consultations are concluded Hamas will submit its official opinion to the Egyptians,” he added. He also said Hamas remains “interested in the success of the efforts made towards reconciliation.”

“Fatah’s accusations of Hamas foot-dragging and obstructing are untrue,” he said. “It is Fatah that is turning a blind eye to an inflamed situation after withdrawing the resolution on Goldstone’s report,” referring to the UN-backed fact-finding mission on the Gaza war.

Egypt agrees to postpone reconciliation

Published today 12:41 [MaanImages] Bethlehem – Ma’an –

Cairo will postpone the signing of the Palestinian reconciliation paper, an Egyptian official confirmed Friday.

Thursday afternoon Hamas officials notified Egyptian mediators they were not ready to sign the conciliation deal, insisting it include the Palestinian right to resistance. Friday comments from Hamas said their issues were with some small “Palestinian Authority policies.”

Fatah signed the agreement on 14 October, one day ahead of a 15 October deadline set by Cairo. Hamas officials asked for more time to consider the plan, given recent events at the UN Human Rights Council.

After consultations with Hamas, the Egyptian source confirmed, the signing of the conciliation agreement will be postponed until a “better atmosphere” prevails in the Palestinian street.

Under Secretary at the de facto government in Gaza Ahmed Yousuf later clarified that Hamas saw no obstacles that would prevent signing the agreement before 20 October. He noted that there were some “comments” that the party would like to register on the document, but noted no significant blocks.

The postponement is the result of US conditions inserted into the document ensuring reconciliation will take place based on the principals of the Middle East Quartet’s Roadmap for Peace. He added, however, that the party was keen on securing the release of what they say are hundreds of affiliates detained in Palestinian Authority prisons, and details about the opening of the Rafah crossing.

Under the Egyptian deal the Palestinian Authority would be in control of the Egypt-Gaza border terminal, as per a 2005 agreement that would also see international observers reinstalled at the crossing.