Palestinians debate role of Hamas in government

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http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=21645
Monday, January 23, 2006



Jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti called on Sunday for all parties to join in a national coalition after the elections, but another Fatah politician said Hamas will not be included in a government if the group doesn't renounce violence. Palestinian security forces were set to declare a maximum state of alert ahead of Wednesday's elections as a civilian was killed in an Israeli air strike on northern Gaza.

Speaking in separate interview with Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiyya, Barghouti, said that Fatah and Hamas "are heading toward being partners in the field, and in Parliament." Barghouti did not say what partnership he envisioned.

Israel permitted Barghouti to talk to TV reporters as part of his election campaign from behind bars, and he chose the two Arabic satellite channels, giving similar interviews to each.

Palestinian Information Minister Nabil Shaath said he is confident Fatah will win enough of the legislature's 132 seats to form a government on its own - and then offer to share power with parties that accept the U.S.-backed "road map" peace plan and recognize Israel

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