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Fri. February 9, 2007 EDITOR'S PICKS :
Hamas is Strongest Force in New Unity Government
Written by The Media Line Staff
The political wing of Hamas will be the single-largest party in the unity government after agreement was reached between Palestinian leaders. Fatah and Hamas signed a document under the watchful gaze of Saudi authorities after two days of talks in Mecca.
“According to the agreement, the Palestinian blood is a redline that cannot be crossed. It also sets out the principles of the unity government and reactivating the PLO,” the official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.
The United States said it is awaiting clarification as to whether Hamas agreed to renounce terror and recognize Israel as part of the deal with Fatah, which is headed by Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud ‘Abbas. Israel has made similar noises.
Isma’il Haniyya of Hamas retains his position as prime minister according to the power-sharing agreement. His party will take nine seats around the cabinet table, with Fatah receiving six. Key portfolios will go to independents. Particularly important is the position of interior minister, which controls most of the para-military forces. It will be granted to an independent.
The Fatah-Hamas deal comes as something of a blow for Washington, said an analyst at The Media Line. “Hamas is regarded by the U.S. as a terror organization, but Washington enjoys good ties with Fatah. There’s going to have to be a lot of talking done in the State Department to decide on a way forward on the Palestinian track,” the analyst said.
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