Jordan's King left red faced after Hamas slip-up at Davos
Published January 27th, 2013 - 11:19 GMT via SyndiGate.info
http://www.albawaba.com/editorchoice/davos-jordan-hamas--466580
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With world leaders and financial bigwigs gathered for the World Economic
Forum in the Swiss resort of Davos this week, the pressure was on to
impress. Jordan’s King Abdullah II, one of the Forum’s honored speakers,
seemed to have a keen grip on global economics but was left more than a
little confused by politics on his doorstep.

During his speech on Friday, the King spoke hopefully about finding a
resolution to the Palestine-Israel conflict.

“The next two years will be crucial for the Israeli-Palestinian peace
process,” he said, arguing that “the results of the Israeli elections will
contribute to the resumption of peaceful negotiations.”

His hopes for peace in the disputed land stemmed from a belief that the
Palestinian Islamist movement, Hamas, was relenting on its anti-Israel
policies. When they first came to power, Hamas insisted that they would
never recognize Israel as a legitimate country in its current form.

However, they had more recently softened on their policy and appeared to be
ready to live peacefully next to their hated Jewish neighbors.

The King said the group were “being a bit more realistic” and claimed Hamas
was more open than ever before to engage in dialogue with Israel.

But Jordan’s monarch was soon made to eat his words when Hamas shot down his
hopeful claims point blank.

According to Palestine Today, on Saturday night Hamas’ spokesman, Yahya
Moussa al-Ebadsh, said the group’s relationship with Israel has not and will
not change.

“The only relationship with this enemy is the resistance,” he said.

The statement put pay to any ideas of getting Israel and the Gazan leaders
around the negotiating table. Next time perhaps the King will consult with
Hamas before putting forward their position at International Forums.

Will Hamas' relationship with Israel will ever change? Why did King Abdullah
II made these comments? Let us know what you think!