Independent mediators frustrated at Egyptian refusal of reconciliation proposal

[ 22/06/2010 - 11:13 AM ]

ROME, (PIC)-- A member in the team of independent Palestinian figures mediating an end to the internal rift between Hamas and Fatah said that his team members were frustrated at the Egyptian refusal of their proposal.

An Italian news agency quoted the member, who wished to remain anonymous, as saying that the delegation would head to Damascus and Gaza but with no new ideas.

He explained that the delegates were focusing on the idea of preparing a memo of understanding between Fatah and Hamas including the latter's remarks on the Egyptian reconciliation agreement that would be tabled with the Arab League.

The member said that Egypt categorically rejected the idea as foreign minister Ahmed Abul Ghait declared in a press conference.

"Why then go to Hamas, what shall we offer them, we know their declared position of not signing the Egyptian paper as is, this is why I think there is no hope for our efforts," he elaborated.

The agency quoted members in the delegation as saying that Cairo had informed Fatah authority and the Arab League Secretary General Amr Mousa that it was against such a proposal, fearing that Hamas would use it later on as a reference in place of the Egyptian document.

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