Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar on Monday dismissed as unnecessary President Mahmoud Abbas' call for a referendum that could pressure Hamas to change its policy toward Israel. "We are saying there is no need (for a referendum)," Zahar told Reuters on a visit to Malaysia.
"This process needs money, we have no money. Nobody will recognize Israel, there is no need for a referendum," he said.
The Hamas charter calls for the destruction of Israel. "He is believing in political methods which, from our point of view, will be unable to be implemented. It's unrealistic," Zahar said of Abbas. "We are not afraid of referendum but it's a waste of time and money."
