Egyptian official: No chances for Hamas, Fatah reconciliation
Mediators in contact with Palestinian organizations say both sides unrelenting in positions. Egyptian source tells Ynet main blame is on Fatah, whose representatives fear presenting a controversial agreement in movement's convention next month
However, according to the Egyptian source, the mediators came against hardheadedness on the part of both sides, especially the Fatah representatives. The latter are intended to take part in a Fatah convention on August 4th, and they fear attending it and presenting a controversial agreement.
The Egyptian source claimed that the mediators showed great flexibility in the formulas they offered the Palestinians.
"As part of the idea to establish a national unity government, we proposed the possibility of sustaining the status quo in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, along with creating a joint management team for the process of rebuilding Gaza. All of this, until the new elections. However, to our surprise the proposition was rejected", stated the source.
No solution
He further added that Egypt was mainly disappointed with Fatah's behavior since it was their internal politics which hindered the last effort to strike an agreement. He estimated that the current situation will carry on and believes there is no foreseeable solution. Furthermore he added that the chances for new elections in January 2010 are low.
Along with the Egyptian source's claims, it appears that Hamas too is raising difficulties in the negotiations.
Last Wednesday, Ynet was informed that Hamas was interested in making a new demand within negotiations: Prolonging the parliament's term. Hamas, which holds a majority in the assembly, thinks the step should be allowed, in light of the fact that Hamas has virtually not managed to act on its power in parliament, since the elections three years ago.
