Khalid Meshaal speaks to Yemeni audience May 4 More suicide bombs says Hamas leader [Archives:2002/19/Front Page]

Photo by Reuters
SANAA A top official with Hamas, the group known for its support of the Palestinian Intifada through suicide bombings, told a Yemeni audience Saturday that such martyrdom killings are necessary and Arabs should not let international pressure convince them of otherwise.
Suicide bombings are carried out by all Palestinian groups and not only Hamas and Jihad movements. Yet, Arabs should not be hasty in judging them under US pressure, said Khalid Meshaal, head of the political division of Hamas movement.
Meshaal, based in Qatar, made his comments while at a press conference at the Taj Sheba Hotel here.
He stressed that the Palestinian people are ready to die honorably and that the suicide bombings are necessary for striking a balance with the Israelis amid the weakness of Arab countries.
Responding to a US-based report that president Ali Abdullah Saleh requested Hamas to quit suicide bombings, Meshaa said that Saleh hasnt asked for a stop to such bombings, but the president asked Hamas to unify its lines with the other Palestinian groups fighting Israel.
Meshaal praised Yemens official stance towards their Palestinian brothers, describing it as exemplary.
Yemenis are unanimous about the Palestinian Intifada since its outset a year and seven months ago, he said.
He affirmed the continuity of Intifada until Israels occupation forces leave Palestine.
The Palestinian people have tried negotiations but to no avail, Meshaal also said, adding that the Palestinian people and Hamas movement adhere to national unity as a strategic choice.
All the Palestinian groups have unified their lines in the field, though they arent politically unified.
Meshaal urged the Palestinian Authority to maintain the political unity to strengthen the Palestinians people resistance.
He accused the US administration of being the only country in the world supporting the Zionists, noting that Europe and much of the world support the Palestinian cause.
Meshaal made it clear that Palestinians dont need more Arab conferences and summits because they have made its strategic choice to resist the Israeli occupation.
He said to end resistance as a gesture to get officials back to the negotiating table will not happen because Hamas believes that will dispirit Palestinian resistance and shake its national unity. He also called on all the Palestinians to have patience and continue with the resistance until they are victorious.
He suggested the war is turning to the Palestinian side as more Israelis are now being killed proportionally to Palestinians.
he also called on Yemenis to financially support their Palestinians brothers, and said that all aid, whether coming through official or charitable sources, are fully received.


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