Hamas says Fatah thwarted Sudan’s offer for Palestinian reconciliation

October 7, 2007 (GAZA) — A spokesman for Hamas movement said on Sunday that Sudan has launched an initiative for reconciliation with rival Fatah movement but President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah rejected it.

“The Sudanese government has offered the initiative and contacted Hamas but nothing was made because the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), led by Abbas, is strict regarding holding any talks with Hamas,” spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told reporters.

“The PNA is still mortgaging itself to the American will and desires that ban any meeting between Hamas and Fatah,” Abu Zuhri added.

The Sudanese initiative was meant to resume Hamas-Fatah dialogue which was stopped in June when Hamas seized control of Gaza Strip after fighting with forces loyal to Abbas.

Israel has tightened the siege on the Hamas-run Gaza Strip while Abbas sacked Hamas government and formed his own cabinet, led by Salam Fayyad, in the West Bank.

Meanwhile, Abu Zuhri has denied remarks by an aide to Abbas who said that Hamas was pleading for Israel to meet its leaders.

“These remarks aim at covering the PNA attitude which runs behind the Israeli occupation despite the ongoing offensive against the Palestinian people,” said Abu Zuhri.

(Xinhua)