PALESTINIANS DISMAYED OVER OBAMA SPEECH

GAZA STRIP, May 21 (Bernama) -- Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have
expressed dismay over United States President Barack Obama’s speech on the
Middle East and North Africa, saying that it reflected Washington’s biased
stance on Israeli occupation.

Many Palestinians who watched Obama’s speech on Thursday were hoping that
the US would recognize the Palestinian unity government, to be made-up of Hamas
and Fatah, after both factions agreed on it early this month in Cairo.

Palestinian teacher Abu Ramia, 54, and his family gathered in front of a
television set in their home in Gaza City to listen to Obama's speech.

He was frustrated when Obama criticised Hamas, which administers Gaza, and
commented on the Palestinian reconciliation.

The stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process was among the issues
highlighted by Obama when he spoke about the Middle East and North Africa while
meeting diplomats at the US State Department on Thursday.

Obama said that the recent announcement of an agreement between Fatah and
Hamas raises profound and legitimate questions for Israel. “How can one
negotiate with a party that has shown itself unwilling to recognise your right
to exist?" he asked.

Palestinian analyst Fahmi Abu Hadeed expected Obama to imply that the US
would not support efforts for establishing a Palestinian state within the 1967
borders at the United Nations.

He also said that the Palestinian unity government faces many challenges
since Obama insisted that Hamas, which does not recognise Israel, still
advocates the use of terror.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zohri said Obama's speech is an indication of the
failure of US policy in the region and shows its biased stance on the Israeli
occupation.

He added that the Palestinian reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, which
controls the West Bank, is a Palestinian concern.