UN Official Welcomes Palestinian Efforts for Reconciliation

Nickolay Mladenov, – United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov

Jerusalem, MINA – United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov Wednesday welcomed recent Palestinian efforts for reconciliation saying unity is essential for realization of Palestinian national aspirations.

“I welcome the recent developments related to Palestinian unity in Cairo,” WAFA reported, citing Mladenov in a statement.

“Reconciliation is critical to addressing the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza, preventing the continuing militant buildup and restoring hope for the future.”

The UN official urged Fatah and Hamas “to seize the current positive momentum and reach an agreement that would allow the Palestinian Government to immediately take up its responsibilities in Gaza.”

Hamas runs Gaza since its coup against the Palestinian government in 2007, while Fatah continues to rule in the West Bank. Several previous efforts to reconcile the two largest Palestinian factions have failed.

“Gaza is and must be an integral part of any future Palestinian state. Unity is an essential step towards the peaceful realization of the Palestinian national aspirations,” said Mladenov.

Member of Fatah Central Committee Azzam al-Ahmad Wednesday told Voice of Palestine radio that a Fatah delegation would head to Cairo in few days to discuss Palestinian reconciliation with Egyptian officials.

He stressed however that there would be no meetings or dialogue with the Hamas delegation, currently in Cairo, unless the latter clearly declares the dissolution of the administrative committee it had established to run Gaza affairs and enables the Palestinian conciliation government to carry out its duties in the Gaza Strip without obstructions. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj IslamicNews Agency (MINA)