Gaza, 22-02-06: Members of the Independent Palestine coalition, including MP Mustafa Barghouthi, Dr. Ayad Yaghe and Na’el Dasok, met today with Hamas representatives, MP’s Ismail Haniyeh Mahmoud Al-Zahar and Salah Al-Bardawil, and Dr. Yahia Mousa and Dr. Khaled Al-Haya.
The meeting focused on the formation of a new government following legislative elections in January, and came after President Mahmoud Abbas officially requested Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, to appoint a new cabinet.
Dr. Barghouthi reported that it was still too early to declare Independent Palestine’s participation regarding the new cabinet, but stressed the importance of forming a national, united coalition government representative of all Palestinians.
He emphasised that Independent Palestine’s participation would be determined by the new government’s policies towards the peace process, internal reform and social issues, and by the extent to which it constitutes a unified, yet broad-based representative of the Palestinian people.
It was suggested that a negotiating committee be formed composed of members of all lists represented in the Palestinian Legislative Council, and Dr. Barghouthi highlighted the need to develop common policies to address internal and external political issues, as well as internal economic and social matters.
He added that the final decision on Independent Palestine’s involvement in the new cabinet would be made by the Coalition’s council.
Hamas spokesperson, Dr. Al-Bardawil, welcomed the meeting with Independent Palestine members and affirmed the need to build a strong coalition in the government, and a common platform towards both external and internal issues. He added that Hamas looked forward to further meetings with Independent Palestine as part of Hamas’ efforts to promote broad-based participation in the new government.
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