Saturday, February 18, 2006

Hamas takes power vowing no talks

BBC

Newly-elected members of militant group Hamas have taken their seats in the new Palestinian parliament, rejecting calls for negotiations with Israel.
The Hamas members who dominate the new assembly criticised Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas's call for peace talks.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Mr Abbas said Hamas would be forming the next government but urged it to respect the Oslo accords signed with Israel.

He also hit out at unilateral Israeli measures and military strikes.

Hamas have already nominated a senior Gaza Strip leader, Ismail Haniya, as their prime minister.

Click here to see the make-up of the new parliament


Academic Aziz Duaik, another Hamas representative, has already been confirmed as speaker of the parliament - the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC).

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Hamas, which refuses to recognise Israel, has waged an armed campaign against Israel and retains an extensive armed wing.

Palestinians must aim for a free society, Mr Abbas said, where hope replaces despair.

He urged Hamas to respect the process of negotiation, but reserved strong words for Israel, insisting that the Palestinians would not accept a state with temporary borders.

"In order to achieve security we must have peace. There is no military solution to this conflict," Mr Abbas.

"The continuation of occupation and settlement... will only increase despair. Let us make peace so we can live in two states side by side."

Mr Abbas' comments were swiftly rejected by Hamas spokesman Sami abu-Zuhri.

"Hamas rejects negotiations with the occupation under the current circumstances, while occupation and aggression continues," he said.

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