Palestinian Hamas deputy discusses reconciliation with Fatah, obstacles

"Midday Guest" programme, featuring an interview with Musa Abu-Marzuq, deputy head of the Hamas Movement's Political Bureau, via satellite from Sanaa, by Ghada Uways and Tawfiq Taha in the studio - live]

Doha Al-Jazeera Satellite Channel Television in Arabic at 1335 gmt on 14 July carries live within its "Midday Guest Programme" an 8-minute interview with Musa Abu-Marzuq, deputy head of the Political Bureau of the Hamas Movement, via satellite from Sanaa, by anchorwoman Ghada Uways and anchorman Tawfiq Taha in the studio.

At the outset of the interview, anchorwoman Uways asks Abu-Marzuq: "What are the results of your delegation's visit, the Hamas delegation, to Yemen?" Abu-Marzuq says: "The visit to Yemen is a normal and routine visit to consult with brother President Ali Abdallah Salih with regard to developments in the Palestinian arena, especially concerning national reconciliation," in light of Yemen's efforts in this regard. He adds that the embargo on the Palestinian people, the Rafah crossing, and the calm were also discussed.

Uways asks about holding intra-Palestinian dialogue in Doha in order to reach an agreement similar to the Doha agreement regarding Lebanon. Abu-Marzuq replies: "This was a proposal presented by the brother president [the Yemeni president]. A telephone call was held with the emir of Qatar to crystallize such a proposal." He notes the Yemeni president's call on the amir of Qatar to exert efforts with regard to the Palestinian situation in light of the success achieved in Lebanon.

Anchorman Taha says: "It is noticeable that there has been no serious Arab activity to achieve intra-Palestinian reconciliation. Even the Yemeni initiative did not enjoy Arab sponsorship, especially the sponsorship of Syria and Egypt to ensure its success." Abu-Marzuq says: "It is unfortunate that the Palestinian issue or Palestinian reconciliation is in a dormant stage because a Palestinian group around President Abu-Mazin [Mahmud Abbas] is hindering this issue and does not want it to be launched." He adds that this issue is also ignored on the international level.

Taha asks: "Does this mean that there is a Western veto on reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah?" Abu-Marzuq says: "The only explanation I have is that the US Administration continues to veto this issue, and does not believe that reconciliation would serve the US or Zionist plan in the region. Therefore, they want to maintain Palestinian divisions."

Uways asks what Hamas should do. Abu-Marzuq says that with regard to reconciliation, Hamas has sought all means to achieve internal reconciliation. He adds that Hamas has welcomed and cooperated with all Arab, Palestinian, and popular mediation efforts.

Uways asks: "Did Hamas offer any concessions?" Abu-Marzuq says: "Since the beginning, we have said that all positions will be made clear at the negotiating table. Therefore, we are ready to pay the full price for internal reconciliation." He adds: "Since the beginning, Hamas has offered this with regard to all files concerning national reconciliation, especially with regard to forming the government and reinstating the security apparatuses."

Taha asks about the future of the calm between the Palestinians and Israelis in the Gaza Strip in light of Palestinian claims about Israel's non-commitment to the opening of the crossings and Israeli claims about the launch of rockets from Gaza. Abu-Marzuq says that calm serves the interests of the various parties. However, he notes: "Frankly, the calm is fragile. It stipulates the cessation of all forms of aggression and the opening of the crossings; that is, breaking the embargo. However, various forms of Israeli attacks continue, especially in the sea or along the line that separates between the Gaza Strip and occupied Palestine. Moreover, there have been attacks on some citizens. Two people have been martyred - a woman in Khan Yunis, and a young man who was martyred three days ago. Hence, there are Israeli violations."

Taha concludes the interview by thanking his guest.

Source: Al-Jazeera TV, Doha, in Arabic 1335 gmt 14 Jul 08