Hamas invites all factions to discuss unity with Haniyeh in Gaza

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Published yesterday (updated) 18/12/2009 21:42

Hamas leaders in Gaza invited members of all Palestinian factions and independent figures to come to Gaza for a meeting with de facto Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on Sunday where sides will discuss a conciliation agreement, an informed source revealed.

In the West Bank, PLO factions are holding intense meetings over how to respond to the invitation, the source said, noting a spirit of readiness among leaders.

“Factions would prefer not to hold the meeting in the offices of Hamas,” the source said, “since it is a sensitive political issue,” she suggested the location be as non-partisan as possible.

The meeting is expected to address the stalled talks formerly mediated by Egypt. The source said he expected talks would be based on the last Egyptian conciliation document, signed by Fatah leaders, and the proposed amendments to the document by Hamas.

During a speech at the celebration of the 22nd anniversary of the founding of Hamas, Haniyeh outlined a plan developed by Hamas leader in exile Khalid Mash’al, though by analysts to be the basis for the proposed talks in Gaza.

The six points of the plan are:

1- Forming a Palestinian national unity government based on a national agreement as the first step to ending infighting and putting an end to the dire living conditions of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza.

2- Rebuilding a Palestinian reference body based on the PLO but ensuring the participation of all political parties. The rebuildings would be based on signed agreements between all parties.

3- Establishing a national program aimed at ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine, dismantling the settlements and establishing a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital. The program will realize the Palestinian Right of Return, the release of all Palestinian detainees, based on the Mecca and Cairo agreements.

4- Clinging to the right of resistance of the Palestinians in resisting the occupation in ways that ensure its sustainability and a direct way to realize the aspirations of Palestinians.

5- Arranging the security departments of the Palestinian Authority so they will not serve Israeli interests or give legitimacy to the occupation.

6- To ensure support for Palestine from Arab and Islamic nations and building solidarity for Palestine internationally.