Fatah: Hamas must declare position on festival
Published 23 December 2012 14:47
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=550385

HEBRON (Ma'an) -- Fatah on Sunday called on Hamas to announce whether it
will allow a Fatah festival in Gaza City's main square.

Fatah spokesman Usama al-Qawasmi criticized Hamas for not granting Fatah
permission to use al-Katiba square for its 48th anniversary celebrations on
Jan. 1.

Hamas has agreed to let Fatah celebrate its 48th anniversary in the Gaza
Strip, but says it is still deciding where the festival will be held.

Fatah is insisting on holding the celebrations in al-Katiba square, where
other factions usually hold rallies.

Al-Qawasmi said in a statement that Hamas' position sent a negative message
about reconciliation, noting that the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority
allowed Hamas to celebrate its 25th anniversary in the West Bank without any
restrictions earlier in December.