Obama visit threatens reconciliation

Hamas member Khalil el-Haya has claimed an upcoming visit to the Middle East by US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry could threaten ongoing reconciliation talks between Palestinian factions. “Such interference only aims to impede Palestinian efforts to achieve unity,” el-Haya claimed, adding that Hamas was working hard to bridge differences between itself and Fatah. Speaking during an interview with Arabstoday, el-Haya stressed that negotiations were hanging in the balance, blaming Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for last week’s failed negotiations in Cairo. The Hamas official confirmed that electoral registration in the Gaza Strip would commence on Monday. He criticised the speed of current Palestinian reconciliation efforts. “Palestinians have no other option but to end the current state of division because it is affecting Palestinian rights,” el-Haya claimed. Referring to the recent mass arrest of almost 50 Hamas supporters and activists in the West Bank, el-Haya called on the Palestinian Authority to provide “a suitable security and political atmosphere in the West Bank to aid unity talks.” The Palestinian Authority bore responsibility for the arrests, he added.