June 29, 2009

U.S., EU seek to include Hamas in peace process

by Avika Eldar, Ha’aretz, June 28, 2009

The American government and the European Union are making efforts to include Hamas in a broader diplomatic effort that would include a long-term cease-fire with Israel, reconciliation among Palestinian factions and support for renewed negotiations with Israel on the basis of the Arab peace initiative.

A deal is reportedly being formulated for the transfer of abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit to Egypt, under the assumption that this would encourage Israel to agree to a deal with Hamas that would include the release of Palestinian prisoners and opening border crossings. A European diplomatic source told Haaretz yesterday that talks about manifesting the deal were held secretly until late last week, and only four persons were privy to the details of the talks. Israel was not a party to the effort.

Last week Israeli sources denied knowledge of any developments or plans to transfer Shalit to Egypt, a matter that Arab, and particularly Palestinian sources, gave much attention to in their reports. Israel has downplayed reports of a pending breakthrough in the Shalit case, and Israeli officials urged caution and noted that Shalit’s release has been undermined in the past by too many public statements.

According to the Saudi Arabian newspaper Al-Hayat reporting from Damascus, a U.S. official visiting Syria two weeks ago said that “the Hamas leadership has recently made important and interesting statements.” The official added that the U.S. is following the Hamas stance and hopes that the group will alter its views and adopt a two-state solution.

Meanwhile, four senior Republican and Democratic figures, including former president Jimmy Carter and former secretary of state James Baker, called on President Barack Obama to initiate a dialogue with Hamas without delay. Speaking during interviews organized by the Foundation for Middle East Peace, Baker said that just like the U.S. found a way to begin dialogue with the PLO, it must do so with Hamas. Baker noted that it is impossible to make peace with people if you are unwilling to talk with them. (Continue Reading this Article)

Posted by Jerry Gordon @ 2:52 am | 4 Comments »

4 Responses to U.S., EU seek to include Hamas in peace process

  1. Pingback: Posts about Barack Obama as of June 28, 2009 » The Daily Parr

  2. NormanF says:

    Israel is not a party to this deal. And if Shalit’s release is secured, it may come at a price not acceptable to Israel. The question is whether Israel will pay it, which would include the release of Hamas terrorists now imprisoned by Israel.

  3. Ed D says:

    The US, EU, Russia, and the UN as well as the 4 bastards mentioned in this article are non issues. Just who in the hell do these people and these nations think they are? There is no entity nor persons who has the right to dictate to Israel about what concerns only Israeli and righteous Jews worldwide.

    Surely, they can apply pressure to Israel, but Israel can handle that as well as any military threats; therefore, these ass-holes of the world can kiss our collective ass.

  4. Laura says:

    Meanwhile, four senior Republican and Democratic figures, including former president Jimmy Carter and former secretary of state James Baker, called on President Barack Obama to initiate a dialogue with Hamas without delay. Speaking during interviews organized by the Foundation for Middle East Peace, Baker said that just like the U.S. found a way to begin dialogue with the PLO, it must do so with Hamas. Baker noted that it is impossible to make peace with people if you are unwilling to talk with them.

    It is impossible to make peace because hamas does not want peaceful coexistence with Israel, it wants the obliteration of Israel and the genocide of its Jewish population. Why don’t these has-beens baker, carter and scowcroft croak already? Who the fuck left them in charge of Israel? And fuck hussein obama as well.