Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
צילום: איי פי
Abbas freezes talks with Hamas on unity gov't
Negotiations between rivaling parties reach dead end in light of Hamas' insistence not to recognize Israel. Talks set to resume once Palestinian president returns from New York
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas froze negotiations towards the establishment of a unity government with Hamas due to the rival party’s refusal to recognize previous agreements with Israel, according to Abbas’ media advisor, Nabil Amr.
During the weekend, the president's aides announced that he was freezing talks until his return from the New York, where he is set to attend the United Nations General Assembly.
However, it appears that the suspension of talks is not merely the result of technical constraints, and that it was triggered by Hamas officials' recent declarations, including statements made by Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, that under no circumstances will the movement be willing to recognize Israel.
Sources close to Abbas estimated that the statements were aimed at hindering the formation of the unity government.
Hamas continues armed operations
Ynet has learned that negotiations over the government have entered a crisis last week, in light of political disagreements. Hamas has repeatedly insisted that it is committed to its traditional stances and stressed that it would not recognize Israel or agreements signed with the Jewish state.This refusal, coupled with the group's continuous armed operations against Israel, mean that Hamas still fails to adhere to the three requisites stipulated by the international community – recognizing Israel, honoring past agreements, and renouncing violence.
Parallel to the diplomatic issues, difficulties also surround internal political questions, including the appointments of internal, finance and national security ministers.
Sources in the PA believe that the talks will resume once Abbas returns from the United States.
