FATAH, HAMAS RECONCILIATION PACT SEEN AS IMPORTANT STEP TOWARDS PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- The reconciliation pact inked between
Palestinian rival factions, Fatah and Hamas, on Wednesday marks an important
step towards Palestinian statehood and lasting peace, says Palestinian
Liberation Organisation (PLO) Executive Committee member Dr Hanan Ashrawi.

“Palestinian reconciliation reinforces today’s pursuit of democracy in the
Middle East and marks an important step towards Palestinian statehood and
lasting peace. This development contributes to the creation of a more
responsive, inclusive and participatory Palestinian democracy,” she said in a
statement sent to Bernama from the Palestinian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on
Thursday.

Dr Ashrawi said the agreement should be viewed within the context of broader
democratic changes sweeping through the region.

“Against the backdrop of a failed 'peace process', reconciliation also
injects a new sense of confidence and renewal in the Palestinian struggle for
freedom and self-determination, which began when Israel’s occupation ended," she
noted.

She also criticised Israel’s response to Palestinian reconciliation as
"short-sighted and self-defeating".

“The Israeli government wants to dictate to Palestinians, not negotiate.
This has been made clear in its response to Palestinian reconciliation. Its
decision to withhold Palestinian funds is not only illegal and in breach of
existing agreements, but is designed to undermine Palestinian efforts to achieve
recognition and statehood by September," she stressed.

She said it revealed the extent to which Israel sought to thwart Palestinian
state building efforts and subvert international support for a Palestinian
state.

Reports said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denounced
the deal and has stopped transferring Palestinian tax revenues to the
Palestinian Authority, saying that Fatah must choose between Israel and the
Islamist group that he says is an enemy of peace.

Dr Ashrawi, who is also a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council
(PLC), urged the international community to support Palestinian reconciliation
efforts.

"The Arab world and the international community must undertake its
responsibility to ensure the success of Palestinian reconciliation which
constitutes a serious contribution to peace, stability and democracy in the
region," she said.

The signing ceremony to formally endorse the reconciliation deal, aimed at
ending the four-year bitter rift between Fatah and Hamas, was held in Cairo
since the pact was mediated by Egypt.

The pact provides for the creation of a joint caretaker Palestinian
government before national elections next year, reports said.