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Hamas dominated Parliament sworn in

Atul Aneja

Islamic group rejects Abbas' call, reiterates commitment to resistance

DUBAI: The Palestinian Parliament dominated by the Islamic group Hamas has been sworn in amid uncertainty over its relationship with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and U.S.-backed Israel.

At the inaugural session of Parliament in Ramallah, which was video linked with lawmakers in Gaza who were stranded because of Israeli travel restrictions, Mr. Abbas invited the Hamas to form a Government. Hamas leader Ismail Haniya is expected to become Prime Minister.

"Since Hamas won a majority in the Legislative Council, the election results created a new political given and as a result will be charged with forming the new government," he said. He pledged to cooperate with Hamas, which had routed his Fatah Party in the January 25 parliamentary polls.

Oslo accords

Mr. Abbas pointed out that there could not be any deviation from the Oslo accords, under which the Palestinians have been entitled to exercise internal autonomy in designated areas.

"We have not and will not accept any questioning of the accords' legitimacy," Mr. Abbas said, adding they had become a "political reality to which we remain committed."

Mr. Abbas also said the Government would have to accept negotiations as the "sole" basis for achieving Palestinian goals — a move implying that Hamas must shun violence.

"We, as presidency and Government, will continue our commitment to the negotiating process as the sole political, pragmatic and strategic choice through which we reap the fruit of our struggle and sacrifices over long decades," he said. He is expected to handover a formal letter to Mr. Haniya where he is likely to spell out the Government's policies, including acceptance of the two state solution under the U.S. backed "road map," a recognition of Israel's right to exist, and pursuit of a non-violent struggle against Israeli occupation.

But soon after Mr. Abbas' address, Hamas leadership has rejected his call. "Hamas rejects negotiations with the occupation under the current circumstances, while occupation and aggression continues," said the group's spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri. "We re-emphasise the commitment to resistance as a natural right of our people."

Hamas has earlier indicated its inclination to have a long-term truce agreement with Israel, but has opposed international pressure on it to disarm.

Under Palestinian law, Hamas would be in charge of some of the Palestinian security forces, but decisions related to appointments and promotions would have to be filtered through the President's office.

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