ABBAS: EGYPT IS FREE TO SHUT RAFAH BORDER CROSSING

Rafah, 27 Rabiul Awal 1437/7 January 2015 (MINA) – The Palestinian Authority  (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas said that “Egypt is free to close Rafah crossing”.

We have accepted the proposal backed by Palestinian factions for Rafah crossing crisis although it was not good; however Hamas has yet to reply to the initiative, Abbas said.

Abbas made his statements during a speech delivered in the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem during Orthodox Christmas celebrations. The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

He blamed Hamas for “procrastinating” in handing over the Rafah crossing after “it refuses to join the unity government and participate in the next elections,” according to Abbas’ statements.

Commenting on Abbas’allegations, senior leader in Hamas Movement Salah Bardawil denied that his group received any official invitation for joining the unity government.

“Hamas is committed to the agreements signed with Fatah Group, mainly holding the PLO leadership meeting and forming a new Palestinian National Council,” Bardawil added.

On the other hand, Abbas said his Palestinian Authority will remain and will not be dissolved. “The PA is our achievement and we will not give it up,” Abbas declared.

He renewed his adherence to peaceful protests “because we are against violence and extremism.”

He also stressed his adherence to peace talks with Israel.

“The Executive Committee and the Central Committee of the PLO as well as commanders of Palestinian Authority security services will hold meetings next week to give the final decision and we will adhere with whatever they decide,” Abbas said Wednesday.

Commentators described Abbas’s remarks as “disgrace” since he extends a hand to the Israeli occupation while strangling Palestinians mainly in the Gaza Strip with the other. (T/P011/R07)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)