Hamas denies intentions to give up Gaza facilities for dialogue

Gaza - The radical Islamic Hamas movement on Saturday asserted it would not hand over Gaza Strip ministries and security compounds in exchange for dialogue with President Mahmoud Abbas of rival Fatah. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri was commenting on reports by local independent news agency Maan which said that Hamas had accepted to give up the Gaza facilities, including crossing points, to the Palestinian presidency. 'All the information in Maan's report are untrue and aim at creating more troubles,' Abu Zuhri said. He added his movement was interested in dialogue, but accused Abbas and Fatah of 'blocking the talks by outlining unacceptable preconditions.' Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in June after fierce fighting against pro-Abbas security forces. Since then, Abbas fired a Hamas- led government and formed a cabinet to rule from the West Bank. According to Maan, Hamas has accepted to abandon control over civil ministries of Gaza, such as health, planning and education, while telling Arab mediators that the security facilities 'will be left for Hamas and Fatah delegations when future talks are held.' The report added that Hamas leaders would gather in Saudi Arabia to discuss the new developments. The Kingdom, Qatar, Sudan and Yemen have asked Hamas to accept Abbas' conditions to dialogue 'to serve the national interest.' To talk with Hamas, Abbas wants the Islamic movement to 'retreat from the coup and its consequences, abide by the Palestinian Liberation Organization's (PLO) commitments and accepting early elections.' © 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

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Hamas denies intentions to give up Gaza facilities for dialogue

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