Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Hamas says thumbs down on Abbas referendum proposal

Today, the leadership of Hamas formally rejected referendum Abbas' little gambit for a referendum on well, not actually recognizing Israel, but maybe acknowledging that Israel has to be dealt with.

This pretty much puts an end to Abbas' attempt to reassert his authority with Hamas.

"He who wants to know the popular will should refer to what this will determined four months ago in legislative elections," said Hamas leader Khalid Mashaal Monday night, referring to the Jan. 25 polls that Hamas won by a landslide.

"We are determined to stick to our national principles," Mashaal added.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar is in Malaysia, and probably toting around another briefcase full of cash. He said that Abbas could go ahead with his referendum, but Hamas will never recognize Israel.

I think that pretty much says it. This one will likely be fought out on the streets.

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