Hamas chief hails Abbas call for dialogue with Fatah

Published June 9th, 2008 - 07:03 GMT

Hamas' exiled political chief Khaled Meshaal said his Palestinian movement was ready for dialogue with its rivals in Fatah, during a meeting on Monday with Syria's foreign minister. The talks between Meshaal and Foreign Minister Walid Moallem, the state news agency SANA reported, were focused on "the call by president (and Fatah leader Mahmud) Abbas on a resumption of dialogue" on the basis of a Yemeni mediation.

 

The Hamas chief said his movement was "ready to take part in dialogue to achieve a reconciliation and defend the national and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people."

 

SANA also reported that Syria praised Abbas' initiative and offered its help to launch the dialogue and make it a success.

 

On Sunday, Saudi King Abdullah and Abbas agreed that the Arab League should oversee talks between Fatah and Hamas, a Palestinian diplomat said.