Israel monitoring Abbas-Mashaal meeting
As Israel transfers USD 100 million to Palestinian Authority, PA officials openly speak about planned meeting between Palestinian president, Hamas politburo chief. Senior official at Prime Minister's office says, 'If Abbas can achieve something from the meeting, they should meet'
On the one hand, Olmert is aware of the possibility that such a meeting would advance the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit. On the other hand, such a meeting the day after Israel transfers USD 100 million to Abbas could damage the Israeli government's status.
Officials at the Prime Minister's Office are certain, however, that Abbas has made a strategic decision to launch negotiations with Israel based on the Road Map and the three Quartet conditions.
The prime minister believes that the meeting with Mashaal, who resides in Damacus, is being held after Abbas has made his stance clear. It is aimed at trying to advance a national unity government which will meet the Quartet conditions, as well as soften Hamas ahead of Shalit's possible release, sources in Jerusalem estimated.
A senior official at the Prime Minister's Office said that "Abbas has not consulted us on the meeting. He is a sovereign ruler and makes his decisions on his own.
"Although the meeting between Abbas and Mashaal in Damascus tomorrow has not been officially announced yet, we are following the developments. Our attitude toward this meeting all depends on the way it will be run," the official added.
Preparing for three-way summit
Olmert's associates are planning the three-way summit between the two leaders and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, which is slated to take place at the end of February. The prime minister's aides are certain that Abbas will show up to the meeting with accomplishments, also from his possible meeting with Mashaal in Damascus.
"If that's the direction it's going to, then it's fine by us," the senior diplomatic official told Ynet.
Meanwhile, Rice demanded that the Palestinian president cancels his planned visit to Damascus. The United Arab Emirates-based newspaper al-Halij reported that Abbas rejected the demand.
According to Palestinian sources, Rice claimed that the meeting would cause damage. In the meantime, there are opposing reports on whether the Abbas-Mashaal meeting will indeed be held.
On Friday afternoon, the Palestinian president confirmed the reports on his planned visit to Damascus in the upcoming days. He is expected to meet with Syrian President Bashar Assad and senior Palestinian officials, including Mashaal.
