Mashal: “Netanyahu’s Maneuvers Collapsed Peace Talks, Swap-deal”

Tuesday February 09, 2010 09:17 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

Khalid Mashal - Wikipedia

Khalid Mashal, head of the political bureau of the Hamas movement, accused the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, of obstructing peace talks and a prisoner-swap deal. Mashal said that there is not chance for Middle East peace under the current Israeli leadership.

Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, Mashal stated that Hamas wants to achieve reconciliation with Fateh movement as soon as possible. The Hamas leader is currently visiting Russia.

He said that there are a number of obstacles obstructing national reconciliation, and added that the obstacles include foreign meddling and pressure, especially by the United States.

Mashal further stated that the United States and Israel are acting to foil any chances of Palestinian national unity and reconciliation between Fateh and Hamas.

Commenting on the Egyptian document for Palestinian national unity, Mashal said that the document was modified without consulting Hamas, and that the movement will not sign the document before voiding all changes.

He also held Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, responsible for what he described as the collapse of indirect prisoner-swap talks between Hamas and Israel.

“The reason of this collapse is a game Netanyahu is playing”. Mashal added. “We want an honorable swap-deal”.

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