World Jewish News
Al-Masri arrives in Gaza for unity talks
22.09.2010, Israel Palestinian National Coalition leader Munib Al-Masri arrived in Gaza on Tuesday to discuss the ratification of a unity deal between rival movements Hamas and Fatah.
The Nablus businessman and independent politician met with Hamas officials upon his arrive and said he was scheduled to meet with Fatah leaders the following day to "brainstorm and discuss what is going on in order to respond to any emergency that may threaten the national project."
Al-Masri requested that the media "be a partner in reconciliation" by avoiding the publication of false reports on the status of talks.
Hamas official Ayman Taha announced Monday that Al-Masri was returning to the Gaza Strip to continue attempts to discuss the reconciliation deal.
In June, Ma'an revealed that Al-Masri's coalition was given a mandate by President Mahmoud Abbas to try and finalize a reconciliation deal after several failed attempts to finalize an Egyptian-backed proposal.
The independent politician has shuttled between Gaza, Ramallah and Syria in a bid to reach a consensus on the deal since, but has often said the process would not lead to immediate results.
Hamas has refused to sign the deal, asking that its amendments, including the restructuring of the PLO, be considered before the agreement is ratified. Meanwhile, Fatah, who signed the deal, has accused Hamas of stalling unity to avoid general elections.
Abbas dissolved a unity government in June 2007, following Hamas' takeover of Gaza. Egypt began mediating a reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas shortly thereafter.
Ma'an News Agency
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