Haaretz (Thursday): Militants: We'll respect truce, but react to attacks

[Jack Rabbit]

From Haaretz (Tel Aviv)
Dated Thursday June 9

Militants: We'll respect truce, but react to attacks
By Haaretz Service and Agencies

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas urged militant leaders in the Gaza Strip on Thursday to respect the shaky cease-fire with Israel, and reached an agreement granting them a role in preparations for Israel's mid-August withdrawal from Gaza, participants said.

Representatives of the militant groups said they would continue to respect the truce, but respond to Israeli attacks.

The militant officials confirmed they had agreed to join what a Fatah official called a "high national commission." The group will allow for the militants to "coordinate and consult" with the Palestinian leadership over the Israeli withdrawal, said Samir Mashharawi, a member of Abbas' Fatah party who participated in the meeting.

The meeting between Abbas and the militant leaders was an effort to resolve domestic political disputes and keep the truce alive, despite a recent flare-up in violence. The agreement they reached Thursday appeared to be an attempt to prevent violence during the disengagement.

Read more.

[Lithos]

1. Hmmm

Seems Hamas is looking towards Abbas to give them more power.

L-

[Colorado Blue]

2. Does he have a choice? Unfortunately, Fatah seems to be

dogged by accusations of corruption and ineffectiveness, as I understand it?

More disturbing, Islamic Jihad is refusing to meet with Abbas directly.

I am concerned that the whole peace process, once again, is held hostage to a violent minority.