http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/hamas-tries-to-derail-peace-deal/story-e6frg6so-1225914019224
Hamas tries to derail peace deal Brad Norington, Washington correspondent From: The Australian September 04, 2010 12:00AM FRESH threats from the Palestinian militant group Hamas are jeopardising Barack Obama's push for a Middle East peace deal within 12 months. As the first direct talks in almost two years between Israelis and Palestinians began in Washington yesterday, Hamas refused to accept Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas as a representative negotiator. During a first round of discussions, Mr Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday agreed to meet face-to-face again this month for two days in Egypt. They will then meet every two weeks in the hope of reaching a settlement. George Mitchell, the US President's special envoy to the region, said afterwards that the two leaders had agreed to start work on a "framework agreement for permanent status" to secure lasting peace. According to Mr Mitchell, Mr Netanyahu and Mr Abbas had approached negotiations in good faith to resolve all core issues in the quest for a two-state solution. While confirming both leaders had canvassed issues that would be central to a comprehensive treaty such as borders, treatment of refugees and the future of Jewish settlements, Mr Mitchell said: "They also agreed that for these negotiations to succeed, they must be kept private and treated with the utmost sensitivity." Hamas has already emerged as a spoiler, claiming Mr Abbas has no right to represent the Palestinian people as Fatah Party leader in the West Bank. The rival Hamas, which is regarded internationally as a terrorist group and does not recognise the state of Israel, controls the Gaza Strip. Its leadership says no peace settlement can be valid without its support on behalf of Palestinians who live in the separate territory. The other Hamas threat to peace negotiations is violence after hit-squads this week killed four Jewish settlers and wounded two others. The attacks were obvious attempts to derail the Washington negotiations. The top Hamas leader in Gaza, Mahmoud Zahar, said Mr Abbas was wasting his time in negotiations. "Our resistance is continuous," he said. US analysts suggested the absence of Hamas and separation of Gaza from negotiations could be positive for Mr Abbas in reinforcing his authority and allowing greater flexibility. But Mr Abbas has dismissed any suggestion of a partial deal that granted state independence to the West Bank and put off Gaza to another time. He knows such a deal would destroy his credibility among Palestinians. Mr Abbas's alleged trump card against Hamas, in the event of an agreement reached with the Israelis, is to put the deal to a national referendum of Palestinians that would include those in Gaza. He hopes a "yes" vote would pressure Hamas to accept it. Mr Obama, who persuaded Mr Netanyahu and Mr Abbas to meet at talks he hosted in Washington, has rated a Middle East peace deal a key foreign policy initiative of his administration, after a series of his predecessors failed to yield a result. Sceptics argue that lingering mistrust and an array of complicated issues still to be resolved make Mr Obama's 12-month timetable unrealistic. A day after Mr Obama welcomed the two sides, a series of meetings yesterday began with an opening ceremony and talks involving Mr Netanyahu, Mr Abbas, Mr Mitchell and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in her State Department office. Mrs Clinton and Mr Mitchell then left the room so Mr Netanyahu and Mr Abbas could talk privately. Describing the relationship between the two men as cordial, Mr Mitchell said later: "These men have known each other for a long time . . . and I felt that it was a very constructive and positive mood, both in terms of their personal interaction and in terms of the nature of the discussion." White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Mr Obama was encouraged by the "serious attitude" of the two leaders in seeking long-term peace, but accepted there were deep divisions. Asked directly about obstacles posed by Hamas, Mr Gibbs declined to answer and deferred to Mr Mitchell. The Israelis and Palestinians are sticking with positions that present difficulties. Mr Netanyahu insists Palestinians recognise Israel "as the nation state of the Jewish people" and wants assurances on security before any deal. It is unclear what concessions he would give on territory. Mr Abbas has joined in condemning attacks on Israelis claimed by Hamas but insists his side recognised Israel years ago. He wants an independent state with East Jerusalem as the capital and demands Israel freeze all settlements in the West Bank in the meantime. The settlements issue will be an early test for peace negotiations as an Israeli moratorium in the WestBank is due to expire on September 26. Mr Netanyahu, who is holding together a potentially fragile coalition government, has not given final confirmation on what will happen on settlements. Related Coverage a.. Armed Palestinian groups will unite to fight Israel The Australian, 1 day ago b.. Hamas vows more deadly attacks on Israel Adelaide Now, 2 days ago c.. Leaders reach for a lasting peace The Australian, 2 days ago d.. Netanyahu fears right-wing reprisals for peace bid The Australian, 2 days ago e.. Middle East deal in a year 'realistic' The Australian, 3 days ago [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
