Mashaal backs upcoming talks with Fatah

Hamas leader accuses US and Israel of exerting pressure on Abbas to prevent reconciliation.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Mashaal it wasnt me 224. (photo credit: AP [file])
Mashaal it wasnt me 224.
(photo credit: AP [file])
Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal voiced support Monday for upcoming national reconciliation talks with Fatah. Mashaal spoke during a rare visit to Beirut after holding talks with top Lebanese leaders. Mashaal's trip is his first known visit to Lebanon since Israeli warplanes destroyed his faction's office in the Lebanese capital during the Second Lebanon. His movements are largely kept secret because of assassination fears. His trip came a few days before Egypt hosts reconciliation talks between Hamas and Fatah. During the meetings that are to start in Cairo on Sunday, Hamas and Fatah are to talk about forming a joint government, rebuilding the security forces and setting a date for presidential and legislative elections. "We are eager on making national reconciliation, scheduled to be held in Cairo, a success despite some problems facing it," Mashaal told reporters after meeting separately with Lebanon's president and prime minister. He urged both sides to "create a climate that serves" reconciliation. Mashaal accused the US and Israel of exerting pressure on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to prevent reconciliation. "Probably, the conditions are now conducive for reaching a real reconciliation even though there are still obstacles," he said. He did not elaborate. Mashaal later held talks with other Lebanese leaders and said he will also meet with Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah. The Hamas leader said his meetings focused on the situation in Lebanon's 12 Palestinian refugee camps.