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Fatah-Hamas pact to include release of prisoners

PA official says reconciliation agreement stipulates interim government to be composed of 'non-partisan experts.' Senior Hamas member: Pact to include restructuring of PLO, to allow integration of factions

Dramatic Agreement: Fatah Central Committee Member Azzam Ahmad, who headed the faction's delegation to Egypt, said on Wednesday that the interim government stipulated in the reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah will be composed of non-partisan elements that "will represent the Palestinian people."

 

According to Ahmad, "The 'experts' government' will be tasked with preparing for presidential and legislative elections within a year of signing the agreement."

 

Ahmad added that during the past few weeks, Egypt has held secret talks with the sides in an effort to reach a reconciliation agreement, which was signed with the representatives' initials.

 

"Egypt will summon all the factions at the beginning of next month in order to hear their reservations and sign the agreement," said Ahmad.

 

'End of political division'

Hamas official Mahmoud al-Zahar revealed additional details of the historic pact, including the release of political prisoners and the establishment of a joint security higher committee.

 

In addition, al-Zahar noted that the election committee members will be chosen by the factions, and the national unity government will be headed by a representative that is agreed upon by all, in order to create a "calm atmosphere ahead of the elections."  

 

Hamas official Ezzat Al-Rashak added that Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will be invited to Egypt in the upcoming week in order to officially sign the reconciliation pact between the two factions.

 

Moussa Abu Marzouk, Mashaal's deputy, said that as part of the agreement the PLO will be restructured to allow the integration of Hamas.

 

Meanwhile, Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa on Wednesday congratulated the Palestinian people, saying the reconciliation will end the political divisions between the sides.

 

A Fatah element said Wednesday that the group's control of the West Bank and Hamas's hold of the Gaza Strip will not change as part of the reconciliation agreement.  

 

He noted that recent developments in the Arab world were part of the decision to strike an agreement

 

AFP contributed to this report

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 04.27.11, 22:00
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