Palestinian Hamas Says Primary Concern “Official Opening of Rafah Crossing”

Text of report in English by pro-Hamas Palestinian Information Centre website on 3 February

[Unattributed report from Gaza: "Caretaker Gov't: We Are Concerned With Official Opening of Rafah Crossing"]

The caretaker government headed by premier Isma’il Haniyah stated Sunday [3 February] that it is legally and officially concerned with the opening of the Rafah border crossing in order for Gaza people to have the opportunity to travel abroad and transport their goods and needs through it.

In a statement, Tahir Al-Nunu, the spokesman for the government, underlined that the Palestinian security apparatuses affiliated with the interior ministry are working on organizing the Palestinian- Egyptian borders, expressing hope that the Rafah crossing will open soon. Nunu pointed out that the Egyptian side stressed the need for ending the siege on Gaza and promised to reopen the border terminal.

The spokesman revealed that there are several points which were agreed upon between Hamas and Egypt including mechanisms for the opening and operation of the Rafah crossing.

The spokesman called on Javier Solana, the EU’s high representative for the foreign and security policy, who will arrive today in Egypt, to assume his responsibilities towards the Rafah crossing and to work on ending the Israeli unjust siege.

In related context, Khalil Abu Laila, a senior Hamas leader, underscored that the security apparatuses affiliated with the interior ministry finished Sunday getting the situation under control at the Rafah crossing, adding that the terminal will be under the Palestinian-Egyptian management. Abu Laila pointed out that Hamas welcomes the PNA’s participation in the management of the crossing away from the Israeli interference.

Originally published by Palestinian Information Centre website in English 3 Feb 08.

(c) 2008 BBC Monitoring Middle East. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.