Hamas, Fatah to begin talks in Cairo

[azurnoir]

With stakes that have never been higher, Palestinian factions will open talks in Cairo on Wednesday in an attempt to bridge a deep rift that has fragmented their people and jeopardized the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

President Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday that a new PA government that includes Hamas must be in place and internationally recognized to manage humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

After being locked in a power struggle for three years, Hamas and Fatah are scheduled to discuss a range of complicated issues, including goodwill gestures, forming an interim government, holding presidential and legislative elections, restructuring the security services, and finding a role for Hamas in the Fatah-run PLO.

A lack of reconciliation would greatly hamper efforts to rebuild Gaza following Operation Cast Lead, a project that Palestinian economists estimate will cost some $2 billion. Donors have already raised questions as to who would receive the money - Hamas or Fatah - and who would implement the reconstruction.

And most significantly, a lack of reconciliation makes it virtually impossible for Palestinians to achieve their dream of their own independent state.

"If there is no reconciliation, there will be no Palestinian state. There will be no negotiations" with Israel, Shurrab said.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1235410706642&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

PA frees prisoners

Meanwhile, Fatah released Hamas members from Palestinian Authority prisons in the West Bank Tuesday, in a gesture of goodwill toward the rival faction. Talks between the two groups are set to renew in Cairo Thursday, with preliminary meetings taking place today.

Eight Hamas members - three in Tul Karm and five in Nablus - were freed, and more are expected to be released Wednesday.

One Palestinian parliament member from Fatah said the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority is planning to free a total of 80 Hamas members.

Hamas' delegation to Cairo will be led by Damascus-based politburo deputy chief Mousa Abu Marzook as well as Hamas members from the Gaza Strip. Fatah's delegation will be led by Ahmed Qureia, Nabil Shaath and Azzam al-Ahmad. Samir al-Masharawi, a member of Fatah forced into exile from Gaza when Hamas took control of the coastal territory, will also take part in the talks.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1066822.html

[aquart]

1. How many did Hamas release?

[azurnoir]

2. How many what did Hamas release?

and how many what have been requested?