Haniyeh: Abbas decision hasty, government will continue to serve the people

[ 15/06/2007 - 01:14 AM ]

GAZA, (PIC)--

The PA Prime Minister, Ismail Haniyeh said in a press conference, late Thursday night, that his government will continue to function to its best and will remain committed to its duties towards the people.

Haniyeh was reacting to Abbas's decision to sack his government and declare a state of emergency which he described as hasty.

He also stressed that the situation in the Palestinian arena does not allow for unilateral decisions without national consensus. He also blamed Abbas's advisors for not reading the repercussions of their advice.

Haniyeh recounted the concerted efforts made by the PA security apparatuses to thwart the national unity government pointing specifically the chief of the preventive security, Rashid Abu Shubak.

He also pointed out that the security chaos in the Gaza Strip reached new heights when the presidential guards along with the so called Fateh's executive force started committing crimes against residents of Gaza, executing people based on their affiliations, or growing a beard. They attacked mosques, killed clerics and even raided homes and nothing was done to stop them. "It was the actions of those militias which forced the people to react," he said.

He promised to restore law and order calling on the PA police and the interior ministry's executive force to start implementing the security plan.

He also called on the Qassam fighters who controlled all the security headquarters to announce a general amnesty and promised to start comprehensive national reconciliation.

Haniyeh also emphasized the security of foreign nationals and called again for the release of the BBC journalist Allen Johnston. He called for the continuation with the final school exams.

He stressed respect for all relations with Arab countries and called for good relations with the international community on the basis of mutual respect.

Hamas rejects Abbas decrees and describes them as unconstitutional

[ 14/06/2007 - 11:39 PM ]

GAZA, (PIC)-- Hamas has dismissed Abbas's decision to sack the government, declare a state of emergency and appoint an emergency government as unconstitutional and impractical.

On Thursday evening, President Mahmoud Abbas issued three Presidential decrees, the first dismissing the present government, the second declaring a state of emergency and the third declaring that he will set up an emergency government.

"Hamas rejects Abbas's decrees. These decrees are carry no practical value. The dismissed government will remain a care taker government until the formation of a new one. There are no provisions in PA basic law which allow the President to appoint an emergency government," said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri.

He further alleged that Abbas's decision was in compliance with American dictates.

The Minister for local governance, Muhammad al-Barghouthi, said that the decision complicates the Palestinian situation further stressing that the situation does not allow for such a decision.

Experts in law say that Abbas's decision to set up an emergency government according to article 101 of the PA Basic Law is valid only for 30 days after which the government should get approved by two thirds of the members of the Palestinian Legislative Council where Hamas holds a majority.

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