Haniyeh: “It Is Important To Hold Direct Dialogue With Western Governments”

Thursday October 28, 2010 18:35

by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

Ismail Haniyeh, Prime Minister of the dissolved government in Gaza, stated that it is important to hold talks and dialogue sessions with western governments so that the governments can know the stances of his government in Gaza directly instead of just hearing about them.

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His statements came as he welcomed a legal French team that included international human rights experts.

The French team includes Frédéric Hessel, a former French ambassador who helped in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, Regis Debray, the advisor to former French president Francois Mitterra.

Isam Younis, director of the al-Mezan Center for Human Rights also attended the meeting along with other officials.

Haniyeh called on the visiting delegates help the Palestinian people in achieving liberation, ending settlement activities and establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

He also called for ending the siege on the Gaza Strip and said Gaza became similar to an open-air prison.

The Hamas leader stated that direct dialogue with Hamas and its government in Gaza will give western governments a clear idea about the standards and positions of its government in Gaza.

Hessel stated that the International Community failed to assist the Palestinians after the Nakba in 1948, and continues to side with Israel despite its repeated violations of international law.

He expressed hopes that international law and the International Declaration of Human Rights will be implemented so that the Palestinian people can regain their rights and establish their independent and sovereign state.