Mashaal: Olmert too weak to negotiate peace with Syria

Hamas leader meets with Iranian FM in Tehran, expresses doubt as to Israel's ability to make peace with Syria. 'There is great skepticism concerning Israel's seriousness to return Golan,' he says
Dudi Cohen

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is too weak to take the necessary steps for peace with Syria, said Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal during a visit to Iran Wednesday. Mashaal's comments came during a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Manochehr Mottaki, who was responsible for Iran's first comments on the subject of the peace talks recently restarted between Israel and Syria.

Iran Unhappy

Ahmadinejad furious over Israel-Syria talks / Roee Nahmias

Sources close to Iranian president tell London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper he did not hide discontent, amazement after being informed of negotiations between Damascus, Jerusalem. 'This is a violation of the mutual commitments between the two countries, and Tehran will prepare an appropriate response,' source says

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"There is great skepticism concerning the seriousness (of Israel) to return the Golan," Mashaal said. "It's maneuvering and playing with all the (negotiating) tracks - it's a well known game and besides, Olmert's weakness will not allow him to take this step." He was referring to the current ongoing investigation against Olmert, who has recently been suspected of receiving money unlawfully.

Mashaal, who resides in Damascus, was careful not to criticize Syria's decision to restart negotiations with Israel and said he was sure the renewed talks would not come at the expense of the Palestinian track.

The Iranian Fars News Agency reported Mottaki as saying that "the Golan belongs to Syria and should return to it." He added that Iran believes that under the circumstances, Israel is not in a position to be quoting preconditions to Syria. "Despite the past 60 years, during which the Zionist regime has been attempting to increase its occupied land, at the current time it has no choice but to evacuate it."

The Iranian foreign minister also stated that Iran supports the Palestinian resistance and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. He said that he had invited Mashaal to Iran in order to discuss the development of Palestine.

Mottaki called on the Arab countries to act with the goal of halting the "Zionist crimes" against the Palestinian people. "Any crime committed by Israel will bring on the intensification of the Palestinian resistance, and we view supporters of the Zionist regime, especially America, as partners in these crimes," he said.

Mashaal said during the talks that Israel is attempting to cause the collapse of Hamas, which is why it has placed Gaza under siege. However, he said, "We have our own plans. The Palestinian people are a great people and Israel will not be able to break them; they will not surrender to hunger.

"If the international community and the concerned parties don't take the initiative and break the siege, we will break it ourselves. We insist on opening all crossings, particularly Rafah."