HANIYEH: A GOVERNMENT THAT RECOGNIZES ISRAEL, WILL NOT BE LED BY ME

I Will Not Head a Govt That Recognizes Israel: Haniyeh
Hisham Abu Taha,
Arab News

GAZA CITY, 23 September 2006 — Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said yesterday he will not head a government that recognizes Israel, striking a potential blow to efforts to set up a more moderate ruling coalition.

Haniyeh spoke after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas indicated that a planned national unity government between Hamas and his Fatah movement would recognize the Jewish state.

An Abbas aide said Hamas would not be expected to issue a statement of recognition, but would be asked to recognize agreements signed by the Palestine Liberation Organization, including the PLO’s mutual recognition agreement with Israel, reached in 1993. Abbas heads the PLO, in addition to Fatah.

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“I personally will not head any government that recognizes Israel,” said Haniyeh, considered a leader of Hamas’ more pragmatic wing.

Haniyeh said Hamas is ready to establish a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, areas Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast War, and to honor a long-term truce with Israel. “We support establishing a Palestinian state in the land of 1967 at this stage, but in return for a cease-fire, not recognition,” Haniyeh said.

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In agreeing to form a coalition with Fatah, Hamas agreed to “respect” past agreements, but didn’t commit to them, calling into question Abbas’ ability to maneuver in any future peacemaking. Hamas is afraid that committing to past agreements would be tantamount to recognizing Israel, which it is sworn to destroy.


Pertinent Links:

1) I Will Not Head a Govt That Recognizes Israel: Haniyeh

2) THE CHARTER OF THE HAMAS