Suleiman: Hamas must learn from Hizbullah how to negotiate with Israel

Palestinian sources say Egyptian mediator asked Islamist group reps to keep prisoner exchange talks confidential

Roee Nahmias
Published: 07.11.08, 13:19 / Israel News

Senior Israeli officials and representatives of the armed Palestinian groups holding IDF soldier Gilad Shalit may soon meet in Cairo in the framework of the ongoing negotiations on a prisoner exchange deal, the London-based Arabic-language newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat quoted Palestinian sources as saying on Friday.

Captive Soldier

Hamas says talks on Shalit deal suspended / Ali Waked

Palestinian organization accuses Israel of delaying negotiations aimed at securing kidnapped IDF soldier's release, due to decision to close crossings following rocket fire. Senior Hamas member tells Ynet decision has yet to be made on whether to attend new round of talks in Cairo

Full Story

"The expected talks between the factions holding Shalit captive and the Israeli officials will be held behind closed doors so the sides can finally resolve the issue," one of the Palestinian sources told the newspaper.

Hamas Deputy Politburo Chief Moussa Abu Marzouk told Asharq Al-Awsat following the recent talks the Islamist group held with Egyptian mediator Omar Suleiman that "we are taking the feelings of the prisoners' families into consideration and are therefore not commenting publically on the matter. We will immediately make an announcement upon reaching an honorable agreement."

According to the Palestinian sources, Suleiman asked the Hamas representatives to learn from Hizbullah's experience in conducting negotiations with Israel and keep the details of the burgeoning prisoner swap deal confidential.

Abu Marzouk said the reopening of the Rafah crossing was being delayed "because each party that signed the crossings agreement in 2005 (Israel, Palestinian Authority and the European Union) has its own agenda.

"Israel has conditioned the reopening of Rafah on Shalit's return, the PA is demanding to regain control over Gaza as a prerequisite and the Europeans want to supervise over the crossing.

"These conditions have complicated matters and place a heavy burden on the Egyptians, who have vowed to make every effort to reach a solution and reopen Rafah," he said.

talkback

Send to friend

Bookmark to del.icio.us

See More PA corruption and sex scandal called Israeli conspiracy Obama: Working on new sanctions for Iran

3 Talkbacks for this article

See all talkbacks

Please wait for the talkbacks to load

Site developed by	Search Engine Marketing by
Copyright © Yedioth Internet. All rights reserved.