Al-Zahar Talks in Egypt About Opening the Rafah Crossing End Without Agreement

Hamas delegation concludes talks with Egyptian officials without agreement

[ 24/02/2008 - 11:34 AM ]

GAZA, (PIC)--

A senior level delegation of the Hamas Movement has concluded a new round of talks with Egyptian officials in Al-Arish city on Saturday without reaching an agreement on any of the tabled questions, according to Ayman Taha, a Hamas political leader.

He said in a statement on Saturday evening that the meeting fell in line with coordinating efforts to reach an agreement on the issues of the Rafah crossing and lifting the siege on Gaza.

Taha said that both parties tabled their ideas on all pending issues and means of reaching an agreement. He added that discussions would continue after Cairo probes the stands of other parties concerned with those issues.

The Hamas leader expected another meeting in the near future following PA chief Mahmoud Abbas's visit to Cairo within the few coming days and the visit by Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman to the Zionist state.

He said that a delegation of the Islamic Jihad Movement would participate in future meetings in view of its "weight, importance and national status".

Hamas delegation returns to Egypt to finalise crossing deal
Date: 23 / 02 / 2008 Time: 16:04
Gaza – Ma'an -

A Hamas delegation left for the Egyptian city of Al-Arish on Saturday to complete talks with Egyptian officials on reopening the Rafah crossing.

The delegation is headed by prominent Hamas leader Mahmoud Al-Zahar, accompanied by Jamal Abu Hashim, and Sa'id Siyam.

Hamas leader Ayman Taha told Ma'an, "The delegation left to complete the discussions of previous meetings and the rest of the outstanding issues such as the Rafah crossing, Palestinian dialogue and other issues."

Taha added that there had been positive responses and Hamas is waiting for the Egyptian authorities to finalise the deal.

Regarding the case of Palestinians detained by the Egyptian authorities, Taha said, "We have information that they have been exposed to severe torture, but the Egyptian authorities are denying this."

He added that the Egyptian Authorities have promised to free 115 detainees, saying "we are waiting for their release."

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