Haniyah renews calls for dialogues, says Hamas might hand over security forces

Date: 12 / 11 / 2007 Time: 13:43

Bethlehem – Ma'an –

Palestinian Prime Minister in Gaza, Ismail Haniyah, renwed calls for comprehensive dialogue with the rival Fateh party in order to resolve the deep political divisions in Palestinian society on Sunday.

In an unprecedented move, Haniyah suggested Hamas might hand over control of the security forces in the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority.

Haniyah's declaration came even as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned what he labeled a "coup" by Hamas forces in the Gaza Strip, where Haniayh and Hamas have held power since June.

Hamas has repeatedly called for dialogue since the June fighting, offering to hand over most government ministries in exchange for opening dialogue. Until now, Hamas has said it would maintain control of the security forces even if talks were resumed.

Speaking to the Hamas affiliated Al-Aqsa TV, Haniyah said, "We have been seriously considering all Palestinian, Arab and even European initiatives to resume nationalist dialogue, yet the Ramallah-based leadership has always refused all these initiatives."

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