Fatah still reluctant on unity deal

The importance of Salam Fayyad is that he a symbol of Palestinian respectability that is acceptable to the West, and his appointment would help to gain western acceptance for the Palestinian government.

 

Ashrawi said:

 

"Our attitude towards the issue isn't one of posts and figures, it is rather of hormonal [sic ]  political agenda and a plan capable of lifting the blockade. We are weighing up how to be efficient participants rather than merely partners for mutual advantage."

 

"A plan capable of lifting the blockade" means Hamas acceptance of recognition of the right of Israel to exist. It is anyone's guess what a "hormonal political agenda" might be. Perhaps "harmonious?"

 

 

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Hanan Ashrawi: Salam Fayyad has not accepted the treasury
Date: 24 / 02 / 2007  Time:  18:18   

http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=19830

Jerusalem - Ma'an - Palestinian Legislative Council member from the 'third-way' bloc, Dr Hanan Ashrawi, on Saturday denied reports that Dr Salam Fayyad accepted the treasury portfolio in the forthcoming coalition government. She said that consultations within the bloc are ongoing.

 

Ma'an's Jerusalem correspondent quoted Dr Ashrawi as saying, "Our attitude towards the issue isn't one of posts and figures, it is rather of hormonal [sic ]  political agenda and a plan capable of lifting the blockade. We are weighing up how to be efficient participants rather than merely partners for mutual advantage."

 

Responding to the allegations, attributed to sources close to Dr Fayyad, that he accepted the treasury, Dr Ashrawi said "Salam Fayyad hasn't told anyone that he has agreed to be minister of treasury since the third way's participation is bound by the nature of the government's agenda. We don't want to be sidelined."

 

Dr Ashrawi was also defiant in the face of United States pressure and their vows to shun the government which has yet to be founded.