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Photo: AP
Barghouti, optimistic of his release
Photo: AP

Report: Barghouti key in peace talks

Jailed Fatah leader tells Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper he receives detailed reports on all developments between Palestinian Authority, Israel; adds he is 'optimistic' he will be released

Jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti is the key character in talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Barghouti said in an interview to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper published on Thursday.

 

The prisoner reportedly receives direct reports on any developments from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' office, and may even be the one to decide whether the international peace conference set for Washington in November will take place.

 

Barghouti receives detailed reported on progress in talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert from a number of messengers including his wife, Fadwa Barghouti, his confidant attorney Khader Shakirat, Abbas' senior advisor Akram Haniyeh, and Tawfik Tirawi, head of the Palestinian General Intelligence Service.

 

Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has also visited the prisoner and consulted with him.

 

'I am part of leadership even behind bars' 

Barghouti's wife Fadwa, who is also an attorney and Fatah activist, meets with her husband once every two weeks and then meets with the Palestinian president at the Muqata'a in Ramallah.

 

"I take part in the leadership. I was part of it before I was arrested, I am part of the leadership even when I am behind bars, and in the future, I will continue to be part of it," Barghouti said in the interview.

 

Fadwa Barghouti confirmed that "Marwan is part of the negotiations and is updated on the talks."

 

The report noted that all political meetings that take place in the prison would not be possible without Israeli permission, and occur under the watchful eye of the Israel Prison Service and Shin Bet.

 

Barghouti is considered Fatah's strongman and is used by the Palestinian leadership to market the declaration of principles to be achieved in talks with Olmert.

 

Negotiations currently take place between Olmert and Abbas, but over the next few weeks the declaration of principles will be composed, and Barghouti will have the chance to approve the sensitive declarations on the Palestinian side.

 

In his interview, Barghouti added, "I am optimistic about my release. Now they are talking about my release in the frame of a Gilad Shalit deal. I hope the deal goes through. I know that I will be released, it's just a matter of time."

 

The interview will be published in full in Yedioth Ahronoth's Friday's edition.

 


פרסום ראשון: 09.20.07, 09:25
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