GAZA CITY, 17 November 2004 — Hamas will not participate in January’s election to replace Yasser Arafat as head of the Palestinian Authority, the movement’s leader said here yesterday.
“The presidential election is illegal,” Mahmud Zahar told reporters as he entered talks here with the new head of the Palestine Liberation Organization Mahmoud Abbas.
“This election is a continuation of the Oslo process which has already failed and is finished.”
The announcement had been widely expected as Hamas has consistently rejected the 1993 Oslo Accords, which paved the way for the creation of the Palestinian Authority. Abbas met leaders of various factions yesterday in a bid to halt attacks on Israel and allow a smooth election. Abbas, a former prime minister who is also seen as a likely presidential candidate for the Jan. 9 poll, opened talks with 14 groups in Gaza late on Monday.
Arafat’s death has kindled hopes of a revival in Middle East peacemaking, but also fears of violence between Palestinian factions vying for power. Abbas escaped injury on Sunday in a Gaza gunfight started by angry militants.
Israel has said it will consider renewing peace moves if a new Palestinian leadership curbs attacks. Israeli sources said it might start with coordination with Palestinians of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s plan to quit the occupied Gaza Strip next year — initially set down as a unilateral measure.
Confidants said Abbas wanted to win over all the groups, including Islamists sworn to destroying Israel.
