Abbas opposes Hamas proposal for long-term truce with Israel

[oberliner]

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said Saturday that he opposes a Hamas proposal to offer Israel a long-term cease-fire in exchange for the creation of a Palestinian state within the pre-1967 boundary.

"The hudna (long-term cease-fire) that Hamas is proposing would defraud the Palestinian people," said Abbas.

The PA chairman said he opposes reaching an agreement with Israel on the creation of a Palestinian state within temporary borders, and called for comprehensive peace talks on all outstanding issues, including final borders, as well as the future of settlements, Jerusalem, and Palestinian refugees.

A member of the Palestinian Legislative Council from Hamas, Salah Al-Bardwil, stressed Saturday that the hudna should not be viewed as recognition of Israel. "The Palestinian people reserve their right to all of Palestine," he said.

http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/804588.html

[cali]

1. He's right, I think

I know the prevailing view around these parts is that Abbas is some U.S. puppet. I don't believe that. He's been saying the same thing for years. He's right, a Hudna would simply engender more tension and distrust- and there's plenty of that already.