In an interview with AsiaNews, Bernard Sabela, Fatah MP in Jerusalem, gave his views about the Palestinian accord: it is a great step ahead and now the United States, Europe and Israel should not lose time and should trust us.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - “Hamas can say what it pleases as a political movement but if conditions stipulated in the Mecca Accord are implemented, order will return to Gaza and West Bank and serious negotiations can start with Israel.” This is the view of Prof.Bernard Sabela, a Fatah MP in Jerusalem, about the accord on a national unity government reached yesterday by Hamas and Fatah on the second day of talks in Saudi Arabia. But he warned: “Now Israel, the US and Europe should not waste time and should give us their trust.” In an interview with AsiaNews, the politician explained the issues at stake and traced the direction for a gradual solution to the crisis.

Professor, what is the significance of the accord between Fatah and Hamas and what peace prospects does it herald?

It is a good agreement. The first hope is that it brings order in Palestinian society, stops the spiral of violence and creates political consensus at international level too. I am confident. It is an accord that both parties must respect to assure peace and order in Gaza and West Bank, something which both Hamas and Fatah are seriously committed to.

What’s more, I think that the accord can provide a good basis for paving the way for negotiations with Israel; it’s clear that in Mecca, President Abu Mazen was officially charged with the “Israel” portfolio and recognition and respect of international agreements signed by the PLO with the world, including Israel, are crucial. Now Tel Aviv, Washington and Europe must appreciate this step and not discredit it. We cannot lose time saying “Hamas should have said this or should not have said that.” I think it is a good starting point on which to build something solid but the backing of the international community is essential.”

But Meshaal, the head of the Hamas political wing in exile, has refused to equate recognition of the accords signed by the PLO to explicit recognition of Israel...

I think the Palestinian government will not make the same statements as Meshaal. It is President Abu Mazen who has the task of undertaking the Israel question. Meshaal can say what he wants but it is the positions of the president and the premier that are important. The main thing is that there is a clear division of tasks and responsibilities, and that this is maintained, and if the president is charged with negotiations and has the confidence and support of the government, this is surely a very good step. Hamas as a political movement can say what it pleases but as a party in government, it must accept the international agreements and place its faith in Abu Mazen to negotiate with Israel.

What do the Palestinians expect now?

The first priority of the Palestinians is to restore internal order. If peace is assured, international accords will be respected. If Abu Mazen follows negotiations with Israel without interference, if all these conditions are respected, I don’t see why Israel should condemn or not accept the accord. We need time and we must not waste it and I hope the West will react with prudence and wisdom now.

• PALESTINE
• ARABIA
• SAUDI
• MECCA
• HAMAS
• FATAH
• ACCORDS
• ISRAEL
• PEACE