Hamas ready for 'two-state' solution

[Barrett808]

Hamas ready for 'two-state' solution
MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH
Associated Press Writer

RAMALLAH, West Bank — Hamas is ready for a “two-state” solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a senior official said Friday, in what would appear to be a softening of Hamas's position and imply recognition of the Jewish state.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas would discuss the idea with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a moderate, in a meeting in Gaza City later Friday.

“Haniyeh is to tell Abu Mazen (Abbas) tonight that Hamas is able to adopt the two-state solution as a platform of the cabinet. But we know Israel doesn't accept us. We want to give room for movement and to lift international pressure on the cabinet,” the official said.

In a published interview Friday, Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar also confirmed Hamas's willingness to discuss a solution that would implicitly recognize Israel.

He said his government is prepared to discuss the idea with the Quartet of international Mideast negotiators — the U.S., the European Union, Russia and the United Nations.

“Let us speak about what is the meaning of the two-state solution,” he told The Times of London. “We will ask them what is their concept concerning the two-state solution.”

(more)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060407.wmideast0407/BNStory/International/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20060407.wmideast0407

[Betsy Ross]

1. "...implicitly recognize Israel."

How about explicitly

[Warren Stupidity]

2. I'm ready for a two state solution too.

We should divide up and all the rightwing morons can have their own Jesusland and get the fuck out of our lives.

[Bush_MUST_Go]

3. So Hamas "MIGHT" allow Israel to survive? How lovely of them.

I trust Hamas like I trust OBL or the bush administration... they'll say whatever they think will benefit them in the immediate future.


"The contradictory statements came as Hamas is under intense international pressure to moderate its views, including recognizing Israel, renouncing violence and accepting existing peace agreements. In Brussels, Belgium, the EU announced Friday it would cut off direct aid payments to the Hamas-led government."

No aid? How WILL poor Hamas survive????


http://www.tradearabia.com/tanews/newsdetails_snECO_article103234_cnt.html

"Palestinian Finance Minister Omar Abdel-Razeq said the Hamas-led government expected to receive $80 million from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE to help pay March salaries."

[Lance_Boyle]

4. funny

I trust Hamas like I trust Likud. Dangerous fundamentalists, both.

[Behind the Aegis]

6. even funnier...

Likud is no longer in charge, but Hamas is...

[Ian David]

9. Remember when Arafat died and someone asked Scotty about...

whether or not the Billions of dollars in foreign aide diverted to his swiss bank accounts will be returned to the Palestinian people?

And Scotty wouldn't answer?

That's Billions.

With a "B."

[Behind the Aegis]

5. Hamas denies talks with Abbas on 2-state solution

Top Hamas officials denied reports on Friday that their new government was ready for a two-state solution with Israel or would present such a proposal to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

"That is not correct. Where did you hear that?" Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said in the Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis. He appeared shocked when asked by reporters if it was true.

Earlier Friday, a senior Palestinian official said that Hamas is ready for a two-state solution with Israel, a position that would imply the militant group's recognition of Israel for the first time. The announcement came as Hamas has been sending go-betweens to Israel recently with an offer to reach an unofficial understanding on "quiet in return for quiet."

The senior Palestinian official said Haniyeh planned to present a proposal to Abbas in a meeting later Friday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the proposal has not yet been submitted. However, a Hamas spokesman denied that the proposal will be presented on Friday.

more...

[Ian David]

8. Does Palestine have something akin to The Onion? n/t

[Ian David]

7. Bush's plan to bring on the Apocalypse hits a speedbump!

Peace is good, but it's un-christian.

You can't have an Apocalypse without a big ol' war!