Hamas: Shalit Deal Progress to Be Kept Away from Media
Source: Al-Manar TV, 07-07-2008
Hamas denied reports on Sunday that the negotiations over the release of captured ‘Israeli' occupation soldier Gilad Shalit have stalled.
The deputy head of the Hamas politburo, Moussa Abu Marzouk, said that the reports are incorrect and talks on the matter of a prisoner exchange will be carried out in secret, away from the media.
In an interview to Al-Shams Radio in Naseriya, Abu Marzouk said that both sides, ‘Israel' and Hamas, are interested in achieving progress on the prisoner swap.
"The Shalit case will be handled away from the eyes of the media and journalists - this was the agreement on this matter. It is not correct to talk about a freeze or a delay in the negotiations because there have been no substantive or practical moves on this issue," the senior Hamas figure said.
"It is important to remember that this is a case with implications on the prisoners and their families, and therefore the two sides prefer to deal with the issue away from the media," he added.
Abu Marzouk asked not to discuss further details regarding the discussions, which are being conducted indirectly through Egyptian mediation, but said that a Hamas delegation will travel "as soon as possible" to Cairo.
The current Egyptian focus, he added, is set on bolstering the cease-fire. "The crossings have been partially opened and this contravenes the understandings and the cease-fire agreement, and therefore there will be talks centered on implementing the conditions of the cease-fire by both sides."
‘Israel' reopened the border crossings into the Gaza Strip on Sunday, allowing some 80 trucks to enter the territory carrying a variety of goods and materials. In addition to food, humanitarian aid and construction materials, fuel was also sent through to the Strip via the Nahal Oz crossing.
On Saturday night, ‘Israeli' War Minister Ehud Barak decided to open the crossings, following the transit points' closure over the weekend in response to what he said "the launching of Qassam rockets" against occupied territories.
Hamas denied reports on Sunday that the negotiations over the release of captured ‘Israeli' occupation soldier Gilad Shalit have stalled.
The deputy head of the Hamas politburo, Moussa Abu Marzouk, said that the reports are incorrect and talks on the matter of a prisoner exchange will be carried out in secret, away from the media.
In an interview to Al-Shams Radio in Naseriya, Abu Marzouk said that both sides, ‘Israel' and Hamas, are interested in achieving progress on the prisoner swap.
"The Shalit case will be handled away from the eyes of the media and journalists - this was the agreement on this matter. It is not correct to talk about a freeze or a delay in the negotiations because there have been no substantive or practical moves on this issue," the senior Hamas figure said.
"It is important to remember that this is a case with implications on the prisoners and their families, and therefore the two sides prefer to deal with the issue away from the media," he added.
Abu Marzouk asked not to discuss further details regarding the discussions, which are being conducted indirectly through Egyptian mediation, but said that a Hamas delegation will travel "as soon as possible" to Cairo.
The current Egyptian focus, he added, is set on bolstering the cease-fire. "The crossings have been partially opened and this contravenes the understandings and the cease-fire agreement, and therefore there will be talks centered on implementing the conditions of the cease-fire by both sides."
‘Israel' reopened the border crossings into the Gaza Strip on Sunday, allowing some 80 trucks to enter the territory carrying a variety of goods and materials. In addition to food, humanitarian aid and construction materials, fuel was also sent through to the Strip via the Nahal Oz crossing.
On Saturday night, ‘Israeli' War Minister Ehud Barak decided to open the crossings, following the transit points' closure over the weekend in response to what he said "the launching of Qassam rockets" against occupied territories.
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