Israel Matzav

For $7.4 billion, dialogue with Hamas and 'new elections'

'Moderate' 'Palestinian' President Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen has chosen dialogue with Hamas and 'new elections' in a bid to avoid a civil war fighting terrorism among his 'Palestinian people.' It remains to be seen whether this will have any effect on western plans to shower the 'Palestinians' with $7.4 billion in international assistance.

"There is no way for any party here to be an alternative to the other, and there is no room for terms like coup or military takeover, but only for dialogue, dialogue, dialogue," Abbas said, referring to Hamas' violent rout of his Fatah forces and takeover of the Gaza Strip in June.

Speaking to a crowd in the West Bank at a rally marking the 43rd anniversary of Fatah, Abbas called for "a new page, writing in its lines a credible agreement based on partnership, on life, on our homeland and our struggle to liberate it."

Abbas expelled Hamas from government after its victory in Gaza and set up a Western-backed government in the West Bank that is seeking peace with Israel.

In his speech on Monday, Abbas maintained his position that Hamas must restore power in Gaza to an elected government. But he urged reconciliation and called for new elections in an effort to end the suffering the Palestinian people have endured as a result of the takeover.

Israel, citing security concerns, sealed its border with Gaza after Hamas wrested power, letting in only humanitarian aid. Ensuing shortages have deepened poverty and unemployment in the already impoverished territory.

"I renew my offer for early elections here, as a way out of the hell that was imposed on us," Abbas said Monday.

Hamas has said it would be open to early elections if they were part of a reconciliation between the sides. It has also said it was ready for unconditional talks.

What 'hell' was imposed on them? Hamas winning the 'free elections' in January 2006? Hamas pulling off a military coup against Fatah in Gaza in June? Fatah absconding with billions of dollars in international aid and using it to line its leaders bank accounts? Fatah and Hamas continuing to fight the 1948 war by refusing to accept Israel's existence as a Jewish state in secured and recognized boundaries?

Someone call Condi....

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 6:47 PM