Jimmy Carter proposes direct dialogue between Hamas and the United States

Saturday June 20, 2009 03:23 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

Former United States President, Jimmy Carter, presented to the Hamas movement a proposal to hold direct talks with the United States. Carter met with senior Hamas leaders on Tuesday and the movement revealed the offer Friday.

Palestinian legislator, senior Hamas leader Mushier Al Masry stated that Carter's paper is being studied by Hamas, and added that accepting it is linked to achieving the legitimate Palestinian rights.

Palestinian sources in Gaza reported that the initiative includes two main elements; accepting the Arab Peace Initiative, and accepting the Road Map Plan which, leading to the establishment of a two-state solution.

Al Masry stated that this would be the key to direct talks with the US Administration and lifting the siege.

Carter's Tuesday visit to Gaza is the first of its kind in many years. He met with Prime Minister of the dissolved government in Gaza, Ismail Haniyya, and several senior leaders of Hamas.

On Tuesday, US Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, presented to the White House the outcome of his Middle East tour.

He said that the United States is demanding all parties to agree on a democratic dialogue and to accept the conditions of the Quartet Committee.

It is worth mentioning that Khalid Mashal, head of the Hamas politburo, is expected to make a statement from Damascus on Saturday to outline the vision of Hamas regarding peace talks and new developments in the Middle East.

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