Haniyeh. Wants dialogue with Quartet
Photo: AP
PA: Hamas cabinet approved
New Hamas government and its basic principles get sweeping 71:36 victory; cabinet to be sworn in Thursday when Abbas returns from Arab Summit in Khartoum
The Palestinian parliament approved Hamas’ new Cabinet and their basic principles on Tuesday, after these were presented Monday by Prime Minister-elect Ismail Haniyeh. Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is expected to swear in the new government on Thursday when he returns from the Arab summit in Khartoum.
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The Cabinet was approved by a sweeping majority of 71 in favor to 36 opposed. The approval was not a great surprise, as Hamas holds a parliamentary majority.
The vote was held after two days of speeches. In their speeches, senior Fatah officials criticized Hamas’ proposed basic principles, particularly their diplomatic platform, and warned against policies that would isolate them even further.
Hamas members, in contrast, made hopeful speeches, especially on issues of internal affairs, the administration and the fight against corruption.
U.S. rejects Hamas' call for dialogue
The U.S. government rejected Monday a call by designated Palestinian Prime Minister and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to engage in a dialogue with the international Quartet.
Despite attempts by Haniyeh to display moderation, Washington is apparently interested in hearing unequivocal declarations from Hamas.
Monday morning, Haniyeh spoke before the Palestinian Legislative Council in Ramallah, and said that his government would strengthen ties with the international community and with the European Union. He called on the international community to reconsider its stance regarding the new Palestinian government and to stop threatening it with sanctions.
State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said Hamas must meet the conditions laid out by the international community, adding that the Quartet made its position very clear.
