Hamas in Sana’a seeks support [Archives:2006/931/Front Page]
Yasser Al-Mayasi
SANA'A, March 22 ) Hamas Political office head Khalid Misha'al concluded a short visit to Sana'a during which he met President Saleh and a number of state officials.
Observers attributed the Hamas movement's visit to obtaining support and backing following its win in Palestinian elections and dissatisfaction of many Western and European countries at this success.
The European Union and particularly the U.S. are the prominent opposers to Hamas success and hence to its becoming the rulers, going so far as to threaten suspending donations to Palestinians. According to Hamas leaders' statements, they now seem to depend on Arab and Islamic aid.
In a press conference, Misha'al confirmed his meeting with President Saleh, mentioning that Palestinian developments were discussed as well as Palestinian support issues on the Beirut Arabic Summit agenda. Misha'al said Saleh confirmed Yemen's support for the Palestinian cause, affirming that Jerusalem should be the Palestinian capital. However, he also confirmed that Palestinians' poll choice should be respected.
Misha'al said the Yemeni president also called for providing support to the Palestinian Authority to fulfill its obligations to its people. Saleh also urged Hamas to move ahead in the peace process pursuant to Arab initiative at the Arabic Summit, as it represents the Arab option for the good of Palestinians.
Misha'al affirmed that coming to power does not mean abandoning struggle, as there will be struggle as long as there is occupation. He pointed out that such struggle is legal because it is the Palestinians' option to deter occupation.
However, Misha'al considers such struggle a means and not an end, saying the Hamas government is to face the tasks of reform and reordering the Palestinian community. He confirmed that Hamas is not ready to abandon Palestinians' principles, which is recognized by the international community. Misha'al said this also was confirmed by last year's Cairo agreement as a basis for Palestinian dialogue.
Asked about Palestinian factions' refusal to participate in the Hamas government, Misha'al replied, “We wanted them to participate in power, as we used to be partners in struggle, but they refused. However, it is their right to do so.” He confirmed that Hamas set forth all options to Palestinian factions to form a coalition government, whose duty is to serve Palestinians. However, he believes outside pressure likely warned them from participation.
In a related incident, Yemen's government announced opening a special bank account to receive donations for Palestinians from individuals and private institutions. Such donations will be deposited into assigned bank accounts for that purpose.
This decision followed government and General People's Congress accusations of some Islah leaders, among them Sheikh Al-Zindani, collecting YR 70 billion from mosques. Funds were collected from 50,000 mosques out of the 83,000 mosques spread throughout the country; however, such sums were used for unknown purposes.
The government announced that any donations to Palestinians should go into special accounts. It banned any collection of sums outside the institutional system, as the destination of such sums is unknown; besides, it raises much skepticism.
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