Abbas, Haniyeh fail to reach agreement on unity
Palestinian president, prime minister meet Friday evening to try and solve unity government issue. Parties still don’t see eye to eye on distribution of portfolios, recognition of Israel
Palestinian sources in the Gaza Strip reported that it was the second meeting between the two in the past 24 hours.
Palestinian sources reported that in spite of the disagreement, Fatah and Hamas will continue to hold a dialogue in the coming days as well, in a bid to try and reach an agreement.
The two parties still don’t see eye to eye on the distribution of portfolios, with Hamas insisting on keeping the sensitive portfolios: Finance, interior and national security.
Abbas' associates, on the other hand, prefer that these portfolios will be held by Fatah or by independent elements.
Another disagreement between the parties is regarding the recognition of Israel. The Hamas leaders declared once again that the new unity government, when it is established, will also not recognize Israel and is not required to do so.
Al-Zahar: Abbas doesn't have many options left
Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar hinted on Friday evening that there was no news in terms of the negotiations, and that his movement would not make any concessions for the establishment of a unity government.
The Palestinian minister said that Abbas didn’t have many options left and that the current government will continue its routine work.
On Monday, Palestinian officials said that a US-educated professor with ties to both Hamas and the rival Fatah Party is the leading candidate for Palestinian prime minister in an emerging unity government.
The Hamas and Fatah have agreed that Mohammed Shabir, 60, formerly the head of Gaza's Islamic University, should head the new government, Moussa Abu Marzouk, a top official at Hamas' Syrian headquarters, told The Associated Press.
A Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity pending an official announcement, said Shabir had accepted the post.
Palestinian officials said the United States has already expressed backing for Shabir's candidacy.
Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm, spokeswoman of the US Consulate in Jerusalem, declined to say whether Shabir - and the rest of the next Palestinian Cabinet - would be acceptable to the US.
"When they're announced, we'll be looking not only at who they are but what their program platform is," she said.
AP contributed to the report
