Prisoners' exchange not likely to be soon, says Palestinian presidential advisor

12/04/2007| IslamWeb

The much-talked about prisoners' exchange deal may not be executed soon, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' media advisor Nabil Amr warned in a press conference in the West Bank city of Hebron on Wednesday.

Breaking the siege

Speaking to journalists, Amr hailed the role of the Palestinian minister of finance, Salam Fayyad, and applauded what he is doing on the international level.

Regarding the international siege imposed on the Palestinians since early 2006 when Hamas won the legislative elections, Amr said that the siege will not be lifted unless the US takes a political decision in this regard. He pointed out, however, that there is progress in this issue and said, "The Americans and the Israelis did not understand what happened in Makkah, but the Europeans did; they are attempting to find ways to make breakthroughs or at least ease the suffering of the Palestinians and the effects of the siege.''
The advisor added that there are attempts and efforts to improve the level of dealing with the Palestinian unity government at the European level and even with the US and Israel. Amr added however, "We can't expect a full lifting of the siege unless the US takes a political decision or stance, or if Israel changes its position, as a major part of the Palestinian Authority's money is held by the Israelis and consequently, if this money is not released, the financial situation will remain unsettled."

Amr also pointed out that there are some European countries that have changed their political language, "but if the Americans want to obstruct any movement by any country, they can do that."

"That is why we should be heading to the US in an effort, especially in regard to the banks, to ensure they transfer the money to the PA."

When asked to what extent the Arab states can help lift the siege, Amr said that these countries can send money to the non-government organisations and this will help in preventing an economic crisis. He added however that there is always concern that the Americans may reject any transfer of money.

Convincing the Israelis

Amr was also asked about the Israeli position regarding the Arab peace initiative. He responded that the Israelis have not given their final response. "There is more than one position in Israel," Amr said, "and that is why the Arabs should do their utmost, and keep pressurizing [Israel] in order to make the initiative one of the references for the international community."

"The Arabs should work with the US, Europe and even the Israelis to convince them that this initiative is the basis for any future settlement, not only for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but to the whole Israeli-Arab conflict."

Upholding the Makkah agreement

In regards to the domestic situation, Amr said that Palestinians should make a greater effort to end the internal conflict and fighting. He added that Palestinians should prevent any future bloodshed. He also encouraged the Palestinian public to observe their government's performance, especially after the Makkah agreement, which he said "did not leave any excuse or justification for any party to violate orders, after a political agreement and accord was reached."

Amr was also asked if the internal fighting could resume. He said that he does not expect such a thing.

Amr also said that the two main Palestinian political parties, Fatah and Hamas, should look at things seriously, especially as "there are some parties which are not interested in upholding the agreement."
Amr was asked if Fatah and Hamas agreed to hold early elections if the Makkah agreement fails. The advisor denied this news and confirmed that there is no such clause in the Makkah agreement.

Prisoners' swap complications

As for a prisoners' swap, Amr said that this issue has become complicated again. "It seems that Abbas was optimistic about having the deal implemented as soon as possible but things have become complicated again," Amr said. "We can't tell when the swap will occur and whether it will be carried out soon or not, but in any case, the swap should happen as soon as possible as the price of delaying it, or not doing it, is high."

He added that the Palestinians have paid a high price regarding the issue of the captured Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit. "The price was very high; we are all concerned to have the deal carried out."

Palestinian political reform

When asked about the reforms in the Fatah movement, Amr said that the efforts are ongoing to carry out the necessary reforms.

In regards to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) reforms, he said that there is the Cairo agreement and understandings which "we depend on in dealing with this issue." He added that a meeting will be held in Damascus, Syria in the near future in this regard. "We will then move to Cairo to continue the talks," he added.

PHOTO CAPTION

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas (R) and prime minister Ismail Haniya (back) listen to the opening speeches at the start of the annual Arab summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh. (AFP)

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