Hamas: Abbas trying to dodge elections

Hamas criticized an offer by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to include the Islamist movement in a national unity government. "The offer … is designed to avoid Authority elections," a Hamas press release said Saturday evening. Still, the terrorist group did not reject the offer out of hand. "The suggestion by the Fatah movement to (Hamas) join a national unity government was just raised in the media," said Hamas spokesman Mushir al-Masri. "The Hamas movement will discuss any official offer, especially if this offer will create a source of authority for the Palestinian nation during this period, before the Zionist withdrawal from Gaza." Al-Masri added that the offer of the central committee of Fatah was a publicity stunt to avoid elections in the near future. "The Hamas movement does not seriously consider the idea of joining of joining the government, because we believe that there is a need to establish a national committee to oversee the withdrawal," he said, adding that the establishment of the committee would be easier than building a new government. Al-Masri said that Hamas totally rejects the Fatah central committee's decision to delay elections until January 20. According to him, "This date is too far away and the establishment of early elections is necessary for the Palestinian nation to get out the current crisis and to find and cement allies." PA offer, PIJ rejection On Saturday, a PA official said that Abbas offered the Islamist groups, including Hamas to join the government before disengagement. The official, Samir al-Misharawi, said, "Abu Mazan (Mahmoud Abbas) invited the armed groups to discuss the establishment of a national unity government whose main focus would be the Israeli withdrawal." Preempting Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad said, "Our movement will not join any Palestinian government so long as the Israeli occupation continues." Still, Abbas said the Palestinians were "completely prepared" to accept territories evacuated by Israel. According to him, "We'll rule the territories in a quiet, clean and respectful manner." He made this statement after the Fatah committee, which met in Aman, finished up its business. Abbas declared a "real reform" in Fatah and the continuation of disarming factions destabilizing the West Bank and Gaza. He added that Fatah central committee members also discussed the issue of the PA chairman appointing a deputy.

Hamas: Abbas trying to dodge elections

Hamas says in response to invitation by Mahmoud Abbas to join PA is attempt to avoid having early elections; still, terror group willing to consider offer