Officials of the rival Fatah and Hamas movement ended their meeting in Damascus, late on Tuesday night, without declaring the outcome of the talks, but announced that they will be holding another meeting on Wednesday.The main obstacle in unity talks is the security file as both movements still insist on their stances regarding the issue, especially the issue of uniting all security forces under one leadership.
The Hamas movement was represented by Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouq, Mohammad Nassr, Ismail al-Ashqar and Saleh al-Aroury, while Azzam al-Ahmad, Sakher Bseiso, Majed Faraj and Samir al-Rifaey represented Fatah.
The atmosphere of Tuesday’s session was described as positive, yet the security file seems to remain one of the main obstacles.
The upcoming meeting will focus on reforming the Palestinian Security Forces, security policies, and the Higher Security Committee.
Another issue of interest is the issue of political prisoners detained by Fatah in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza, and the means to ensure their release.
Referring to Israeli threats of not recognizing any unity agreement or arrangement that includes Hamas and some other factions, Hamas said that the Fatah movement must decide to be independent, and should not allow Israel to interfere in internal Palestinian politics.
