Palestinian premier in Gaza Strip Dr. Ismail Haneyya on Tuesday urged the world community to pressure the Israel to lift the siege on Gaza Strip and end the Palestinian people's suffering. He told a joint press conference with former American president Jimmy Carter that such a step would lead to mutual and reciprocal calm with the enemy.
Haneyya also said that his government was ready to accept the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip within 1967 borders, describing it as "national dream". He noted, however, that such a state should be fully sovereign with Jerusalem as its capital.
The Hamas leader conveyed that he discussed with Carter the question of prisoners and the Israeli captured soldier Gilad Shalit during a meeting with Hamas leaders. He declared support for any effort leading to an "honorable" prisoners' exchange deal.
