“Before the government can be established, we must resolve the outstanding problems, the IDF soldier and the Palestinian prisoners,” stated Abu Mazen (photo above) during a joint press conference on Thursday with visiting French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy.
Abu Mazen added that in addition to the prisoner release, there must be a total cessation of violence in PA (Palestinian Authority) autonomous areas, adding, “we are confident that establishment of the government will be a major step towards this goal.”
EU Moving Towards Renewed Aid to PA
Taking a step towards the PA, the senior French minister called on the European community to re-think economic aid, referring to the economic ban that was imposed on the PA following the election of the current Hamas-led administration.
While the European community is moving towards renewing donor nation funds to the PA, the United States is moving ahead more cautiously, taking a wait-and-see approach regarding the formation of the coalition government expected to include a number of parties including Fatah and Hamas.
Report: Shalit to be Released on Sunday
In a related matter, the London-based al-Quds Arabi Arabic newspaper is reporting that a deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas by which Gilad Shalit will be released on Sunday in exchange for Israel releasing 740 prisoners, in two stages. In addition, Israel has agreed to halt all military operations in Gaza and the PA has committed to bring an end to Kassam rocket attacks into southern Israel.
PA Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar denied the accuracy of the report, acknowledging that intensive talks are taking place but a deal to ensure Shalit’s release has not been released. He added that the statements to the media may be nothing more than a trial balloon.
Israeli officials today date, including Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, have denied a deal has been reached towards the release of Shalit or Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev for that matter, the two soldiers being held by Hizbullah.
Government sources report efforts towards obtaining the release of the soldiers are continuing, with the involvement of Germany and the United Nations, but nothing indicating a deal has been reached has been reported to the media.
Arab Lawmaker Working to Assist Towards Shalit’s Release
On Saturday, MK Talab El-Sana is expected to meet in Nazareth with Noam Shalit, the father of Gilad. El-Sana is quoted telling the daily Ma’ariv “I understand him and identify with him as a father,” adding Noam is willing to travel to Gaza and meet with anyone who may be of assistance towards obtaining his son’s release.
Mr. Shalit has made numerous statements to the press, calling on the government to release terrorists to obtain his son’s freedom. Mr. Shalit stated that in the end, terrorists are released anyway and therefore, a deal must be signed to bring the captives home.
Abu Mazen added that in addition to the prisoner release, there must be a total cessation of violence in PA (Palestinian Authority) autonomous areas, adding, “we are confident that establishment of the government will be a major step towards this goal.”
EU Moving Towards Renewed Aid to PA
Taking a step towards the PA, the senior French minister called on the European community to re-think economic aid, referring to the economic ban that was imposed on the PA following the election of the current Hamas-led administration.
While the European community is moving towards renewing donor nation funds to the PA, the United States is moving ahead more cautiously, taking a wait-and-see approach regarding the formation of the coalition government expected to include a number of parties including Fatah and Hamas.
Report: Shalit to be Released on Sunday
In a related matter, the London-based al-Quds Arabi Arabic newspaper is reporting that a deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas by which Gilad Shalit will be released on Sunday in exchange for Israel releasing 740 prisoners, in two stages. In addition, Israel has agreed to halt all military operations in Gaza and the PA has committed to bring an end to Kassam rocket attacks into southern Israel.
PA Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar denied the accuracy of the report, acknowledging that intensive talks are taking place but a deal to ensure Shalit’s release has not been released. He added that the statements to the media may be nothing more than a trial balloon.
Israeli officials today date, including Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, have denied a deal has been reached towards the release of Shalit or Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev for that matter, the two soldiers being held by Hizbullah.
Government sources report efforts towards obtaining the release of the soldiers are continuing, with the involvement of Germany and the United Nations, but nothing indicating a deal has been reached has been reported to the media.
Arab Lawmaker Working to Assist Towards Shalit’s Release
On Saturday, MK Talab El-Sana is expected to meet in Nazareth with Noam Shalit, the father of Gilad. El-Sana is quoted telling the daily Ma’ariv “I understand him and identify with him as a father,” adding Noam is willing to travel to Gaza and meet with anyone who may be of assistance towards obtaining his son’s release.
Mr. Shalit has made numerous statements to the press, calling on the government to release terrorists to obtain his son’s freedom. Mr. Shalit stated that in the end, terrorists are released anyway and therefore, a deal must be signed to bring the captives home.