">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Palestinians agree on prisoner release ahead of unity talks
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Palestinians agree on prisoner release ahead of unity talks
AFP - Thursday, February 26
CAIRO (AFP) - - Rival Palestinian movements Fatah and Hamas agreed to resolve the fate of prisoners held by both sides and stop their media war on the eve of Egypt-brokered reconciliation talks.
ADVERTISEMENT
The accord came as the feuding movements held talks aimed at paving the way for a unity government ahead of Thursday's start of dialogue between Fatah, the secular movement headed by Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, and the Islamist group that rules the Gaza Strip.
The two sides reached an agreement on resolving the prisoners issue "in a timeline not going beyond the end of the inter-Palestinian dialogue meetings," the two sides said in a joint statement.
"A certain number of detainees will be freed right at the beginning of the dialogue," said the statement from Azzam al-Ahmad, leader of the Fatah bloc in the Palestinian parliament, and senior Hamas official Mahmud Zahar.
"Other detainees will be freed successively so that this issue will be totally closed before the end of the national Palestinian dialogue," it said.
Zahar said 80 Hamas members held in the West Bank, which is controlled by the moderate Fatah movement, have been released and that 300 are still being held.
For its part, the Islamist movement Hamas has lifted the house arrest of a number of Fatah members in the Gaza Strip.
The two factions have long been rivals but their feuding boiled over in June 2007 when Hamas seized control of Gaza, routing forces loyal to Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas after days of deadly street battles.
Egypt had originally called for Palestinian reconciliation talks in November, but Hamas withdrew at the last minute, complaining that Fatah was continuing to arrest Hamas members in the West Bank.
The reconciliation process was relaunched by Egypt after Israel's 22-day war on Hamas last month.
"The climate is positive and promising," Hamas political bureau member Ezzat Resheq told journalists after Wednesday's talks. "We hope for positive results."
Ahmad cited a "real desire on both sides to settle these questions... to achieve reconciliation, a urgent necessity above all because the (Israel-Palestinian) peace process is not progressing and nor are efforts towards a truce."
The stakes are high for Thursday's negotiations as billions of dollars of funds to rebuild the Gaza Strip may be available if terms set by international donors can be met before an aid meeting next week in Egypt.
Hamas won the 2006 Palestinian general election but its government was boycotted by Israel and the West, and attempts at a national unity government failed.
Thursday's conference, which will also bring in other Palestinian factions, stems from Egyptian proposals for a lasting ceasefire following Israel's onslaught on Gaza from December 27 to January 18, in which more than 1,300 people were killed and buildings and infrastructure destroyed.
Cross-border violence has continued since then in the absence of a full ceasefire.
On Wednesday Israeli warplanes launched air strikes along Gaza's border with Egypt as delegates from three Palestinian factions were crossing at a nearby terminal, witnesses said, after rockets were fired from the territory.
Fawzi Barhum, Hamas spokesman in Gaza, said the preparatory meetings were to try to "overcome the hurdles to dialogue, especially on political detainees and media campaigns, in order to ensure the success of the dialogue."
However, the many continuing disagreements between Hamas and Fatah mean it is still far from certain the Cairo conference will succeed.
On a visit to Cairo on the eve of the talks, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband called for the Palestinians to form a new government of "technocrats" to oversee reconstruction of the economy and the political process in readiness for elections.
Sweden also expressed support for Palestinian reconciliation.
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said his country, which takes over the rotating EU presidency on July 1, wants to help politically in the process of possibly holding new elections in the Palestinian territories.
"Reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas is also a part of the process," he said in Stockholm after meeting Abbas.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: World
New violence erupts on French island MartiniqueAFP - 1 hour 19 minutes ago
Peace negotiators urge change of attitude on HamasReuters - 1 hour 55 minutes ago
Today in History - Feb. 26AP - 2 hours 44 minutes ago
4 passengers sue Boeing in Denver crashAP - 2 hours 48 minutes ago
U.S. law chief says Guantanamo "well-run"Reuters - Thursday, February 26
Enlarge Photo
Palestinian supporters of president Mahmud Abbas and his ruling Fatah party wave the Palestinian and the Fatah flags as they sit in front of an Egyptian flag during a rally in Nablus as unity talks take place in Cairo. Rival Palestinian movements Fatah and Hamas met in Cairo to try to ease tensions ahead of Egypt-brokered reconciliation talks aimed at paving the way for a unity government.
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Iraqi police shoot dead four US soldiers: ministry
On the bright side: scientists test 'happy' gene
Just being overweight can shorten lifespan: study
34,000 apply for 'the best job in the world'
At least nine dead as Turkish plane crash-lands in Amsterdam
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Thursday, 26 February 2009 Iran denies nuclear slowdown, sets big expansion
| International
|
Current Village People Granted Preliminary Injunction Against Former Lead Victor Willis
Rwandan troops leave Congo, stoking reprisal fears
| International
|
Mick Jagger's Ex-Wife Sued For Failing To Pay Ring Reward Money
Spray your tag on West Bank wall -- online
| International
|
Nazi death camp guard will be tried: prosecutor
| International
|
Polar regions found warming fast, raising sea levels
| International
|
Ugandan LRA rebels attack across CAR border: colonel
| International
|
Apple says Steve Jobs is still involved
| Technology
|
Nokia considering entering laptop industry: CEO
| Technology
|
Wealthy Americans Sue UBS To Keep Names Private
Spray your tag on West Bank wall -- online
| Technology
|
UAW President Urges Union To Support Ford Concessions
Netflix to offer streaming only plans in future
| Technology
|
Mass Layoffs Drop Slightly But Remain Highest On Record, Says Labor Dept.
Hide-and-seek death case irks Web users
| Technology
|
Update: Obama Names Locke As Commerce Secretary; Republicans Welcome Nomination
Poll Finds Muslims Opposed To Attacks On U.S. Civilians, But Want U.S. Troops Off Muslim Soil
Google joins EU antitrust case against Microsoft
| Technology
|
Hilton Rumored To Be Planning Layoffs In IT Dept; Adds 3 Luxury Hotels In Puerto Rico To Portfolio
U.S. top court rules for AT&T unit in antitrust case
| Technology
|
Environmentalists Praise Court Decision On Bush Administration Air Pollution Standards
Global chip market to fall 24 percent in 2009: Gartner
| Technology
|
Existing Home Sales Fall 5.3 Percent In January
Liquidators Secure Court Approval To Sell Fortunoff
Pension Plans For State Government, 2 Universities Missing $400M
Fan survives life with Rolling Stones
| Entertainment
|
Music to the ears of hospital patients
| Entertainment
|
Spidey heads to Broadway, with help from U2 pair
| Entertainment
|
Stomach Stapling In Britain Rose To 40 Percent In 2008 As Nation Struggled With Rising Obesity Rate
Peace negotiators urge change of attitude on Hamas
Bangladesh troop mutinies break out beyond Dhaka
| International
|
Hariri murder suspects languish in jail four years on
Turkish airliner crashes at Amsterdam airport, 9 dead
| International
|
The Obamas Decide On A Portuguese Water Dog As Newest Member Of First Family
Pakistan wants drones on table in US-Afghan review
Palestinians agree on prisoner release ahead of unity talks
Downturn to cost billions in aid to world's poor
| International
|
Obama to deliver address on Iraq Friday
Mexico vows more troops for drug war near U.S. border
| International
|
Puerto Rico to ship pesky monkeys to Iraq
Rohner steps down as UBS chief executive
Pakistan urges rethinking of U.S. drone attacks
| International
|
Palestinians seek $2.8 billion for rebuilding Gaza
Threat of oil spill menaces Russian Pacific island
Morocco calls back envoy in Iran over Bahrain
At least nine dead as Turkish plane crash-lands in Amsterdam
Isolation shields Afghanistan from financial crisis
| International
|
Terror-linked lawmaker faces arrest in Iraq
Iran says nuclear plant could start in months
U.S. will boost supplies for Afghan force
| International
|
Iranians in test run of first nuclear power plant
Younus falls short of record in drawn Test
Peace negotiators urge change of attitude on Hamas
| International
|
In third try, Obama names Gary Locke as Commerce Secretary
Die with us rebels tell Sri Lanka's refugees
| International
|
Australia seeks to cut animal gas emissions
U.S. law chief says Guantanamo "well-run"
Some US forces will face combat after Iraq pullout
Obama ready to set out Iraq withdrawal plan
Nokia considering entering laptop industry: CEO
| Technology
|
Final Exit Members Arrested, Charged With Assisting Suicide
Mexico extradites suspected drug gang leader to US
U.S.: China's Human Rights Record Worsened In 2008
US-TECH Summary
Poland says Obama team not focused on missile shield
FBI Agent Raids Offices Of University Of Florida Scientist Suspected Of Swindling NASA
Gannett slashes dividend to pay down debt
U.S. missile defence to complete test review by May
International Arms Dealer, Conspirator Sentenced To 30, 25 Years In U.S. Prison
Microsoft files patent suit against TomTom
U.S. Busts Mexican Drug Cartel; 755 Suspects Arrested
U.S. criticizes China and Russia in rights report
open to sale, partnership for search business
Florida Dad Kills Wife, 2 Daughters, Self
Arab League chief praises Obama, Mitchell
Feb 25 Highlights Of Low Points In U.S. Economy
Nokia considering entering laptop industry
Apple says Jobs on track to resume command as planned
House Passes $410 Billion Spending Bill
Spain's corruption probe widens
Wall Street Rallies Off Early Lows, Still Finishes Down
Spray your tag on West Bank wall -- online
Two Owners Of WG Trading Company Arrested For Securities, Wire Fraud
Global economic woes eroding IT spending: analysts
Ten killed in Amsterdam plane crash
Netflix to offer "streaming only" plans in future
UK opposition leader's disabled son dies
US top court rules for AT&T unit in antitrust case
Turkish jet crash kills nine in Amsterdam
Nokia considering entering laptop industry
Mobile email firm Visto buys rival from Motorola
Fan survives life with Rolling Stones
| Entertainment
|
Final Harry Potter film gets release date
| Entertainment
|
Clint Eastwood gets lifetime Palme d'Or
| Entertainment
|
Morgan Freeman sued over car crash
| Entertainment
|
Australia seeks to cut animal gas emissions
Thai PM vows to bring fugitive Thaksin back home
Slumdog child actors to get new homes in India
| Entertainment
|
Bangladesh border guard mutiny appears to spread
Pakistan braced for street protests after Sharif bar
Final Harry Potter film gets release date
Unrest reported at more Bangledesh guard posts
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Bangladesh border guard mutiny spreads: police
Disputed Chinese relics fetch millions at YSL art auction
US sees South Asia rights problems
SKorea unveils new stimulus measures
China fumes as bronze relics sold at YSL auction
Report: NKorea builds underground fueling facility
FACTBOX-S.Korea takes steps to bring in more funds
Singer-guitarist leaves the Barenaked Ladies
Post 9-11 novel wins PEN/Faulkner prize
Thailand's auto workers lose jobs as economy worsens
Exhibition exposes sex slavery at Nazi camps
Seoul shares down; LG Display, Kia Motors tumble
Baghdad speakeasy defies the bombers
S.Korea won at 11-yr closing low despite gov't remarks
Europe's bison: prehistoric survivor with Achilles' heel
Pakistan c.bank sells 20 bln rupees of T-bills
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
S.Korea T-bond futures jump after c.bank comment
Final Harry Potter film gets release date
Chinese jet maker looks for foreign executives
Tibetan monk's HK trip shows Buddhism's divisions
Pakistani stocks open down but recover on IMF
Nick Mitchell has 'American Idol' judges laughing
Nissan to ease output cuts in March
Nobel laureate warns polls could ruin Aceh peace
Newly Discovered Species Of Fish Christened H. Psychedelica
Israeli rivals divided over Palestinian state
EU trio propose tougher list of Iran sanctions: report
| International
|
Tougher list of Iran sanctions proposed
Jennifer Lopez And Marc Anthony Sue U.K. Stroller Company For Unauthorized Image Use
Israeli rivals divided over Palestinian state
| International
|
Obama seeks new 250 billion bank bailout: report
American Rock Duo MGMT To Sue French President Nicolas Sarkozy's Party For Copyright Infringement
Olmert warns Iran over nuclear plant
Thousands protest in Pakistan over Sharif ruling
| International
|
Court Extends Britney Spears' Restraining Order Against Ex-Manager
HIV mutates at high speed to avoid immune system: study
Morgan Freeman's Crash Passenger Sues Him For Negligence, Denies Being Her Mistress
Taliban say want peace with Afghans, NATO troops out
| International
|
US launches 'stress test' for major banks
China decries U.S. criticism of its rights record
| International
|
Serbia charges 19 Bosnian officials with war crimes
| International
|
US-China ties needed to fight climate change
Obama to present first budget to Congress
Obama to seek $200 bln for war effort: report
US complains about China's human rights record
UK rules out charges against Pentagon hacker
| Technology
|
U.S. spy agency may get more cybersecurity duties
| Technology
|
Vodafone to offer Microsoft online services
Puppy love -- at your fingertips
| Technology
|
TomTom to contest Microsoft patent lawsuit
U.S. could reap billions taxing Web gambling: study
| Technology
|
Bill Clinton: Conditions Make Success Likely For Obama's Heathcare Reform Plan
Japanese teens addicted to cellphones: survey
Finns urged to check Web, curb guns after rampages
| Technology
|
Comcast Brings In Spanish Programs From Central, South America For U.S. Viewers
Coleman Suffers Another Blow; Minnesota Court Rejects Testimony Of Key Witness
Probe after 'miracle' Amsterdam plane crash
Illinois Psychiatric Hospital Under Investigation For Lax Patient Care
New violence erupts on French island Martinique
2-For-1 Offers Proliferate
Study Finds Many Cancers Preventable By Adopting Healthy Lifestyle
Senate Holds Hearing On Bush Administration 'Truth Commission' Next Week
Japanese teens addicted to cellphones: survey
Baltimore-Area Teen Becomes Ninth Pediatric Flu Death
Holder Impressed With 'Well-Run' Guantanamo Facilities But Determined To Shut It Down
FDA: Largest Indian Drugmaker Falsified Lab Test
China clears Wyeth milk powder: state media
Power-starved Kyrgyz start electricity rationing
Sri Lanka editor held, accused aiding rebel strike
Nepal PM vows to reinvestigate palace massacre
ASEAN leaders challenged on rights, economy
Fire damages Marriott hotel in Pakistan
NKorea's Kim Jong Il photographed smoking
Fire damages Marriott hotel in Islamabad
CORRECTED
Indonesia sentences Australian for teen sex
China's banking system stable amid global crisis: regulator
Japanese boy arrested over bomb plot
James Brown exhibit opens while museum plans await
Pakistani forex reserves fall to $10.16 bln
Up, up and away: Rare Superman comic for sale
S&P sees worst recession for Japan since WWII
China accuses Christie's of selling smuggled Chinese relics
Asian markets sour on recession fears
Rosie O'Donnell returns to TV in a Lifetime movie
S.Korea "hit by lightning" by E.Europe concerns-president
Mud, sweat and beers at Britain's maddest football match
Sands to fight ban on Macau ferry service
First Chen movie to hit screens after sex photos
Hong Kong exports dive by most in 50 years
German headscarf bans violates rights: HRW
Pakistan's PTCL net profit 5.3 bln rupees
India gives Oscar winner Rahman hero's welcome
U2 album leaked as label battles pirates
Stevie Wonder gets major award, praise from Obama
Indonesia's psychedelic fish named a new species
Teen Boy Escapes Father's Murder-Suicide Of Mom, Two Sisters
'Final Exit' Suicide Group Members Arrested, Charged With Assisting Suicide
2-For-1 Offers Proliferate
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights