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Fayad urges Hamas to form unity government
Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salaam Fayad on Saturday called for the establishment of a unity government with Hamas, saying it was time to reunite the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Referring to the recent IDF crackdown on Hamas-affiliated institutions in the West Bank, Fayad said: "The response to the Israeli measures should be the immediate reunification of the two parts of the homeland [West Bank and Gaza Strip]. We must end the division and restore unity immediately." Fayad's remarks were published in the London-based Al-Hayat daily. Calling on Hamas to accept PA President Mahmoud Abbas's initiative for "national unity," Fayad said he was prepared to form a transitional government to run the affairs of the Palestinians and prepare for new elections. Addressing Hamas, Fayad asked: "Why are you reluctant? We must not keep the homeland hostage to political differences. We must agree on a transitional government." Fayad expressed outrage over the IDF measures and accused Israel of seeking to sabotage his government's efforts to enforce law and order in the West Bank. Last week Fayad visited Nablus and urged residents not to comply with the IDF orders to shut down several Hamas-affiliated institutions. Fayad also paid a solidarity visit to the Hamas-dominated Nablus Municipality, which was also raided by IDF troops who confiscated files and equipment. Posted by: Fred 2008-07-13 |
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