Mashaal: Reconciliation progress not satisfying
15 December 2014 21:08
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=747324

GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Head of Hamas politburo Khalid Mashaal said Monday that
the Palestinian reconciliation "scene" was not satisfying and that there was
no rupture in relations with the Fatah movement.

Mashaal told the al-Risala newspaper that the "reconciliation scene is not
satisfying and it is painful; this should prompt us and be a challenge to us
because this is not a marginal subject."

"Recognizing the problem is necessary to push us toward the solution,"
Mashaal added.

He pointed out that the "external factor is basic in failing reconciliation,
placing obstacles in its way and attempting to keep us in the division
square; Israeli, external, international and some regional interventions
work against Palestinian reconciliation."

As for internal politics, Mashaal said that "there is no rapture in
relations with the Fatah movement; it is Hamas' partner in the fight and in
the Palestinian political life."

"We are different in many cases but we maintain common relations, contact
and action," Mashaal added.

Hamas does not seek a new war with Israel, he said, adding that previous
wars were imposed on Hamas.

Mashaal added that Hamas would not give up Palestinian rights no matter the
cost.