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| By: Associated Press |
| Published: May 29, 2006 |
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The foreign minister of the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority has withdrawn from a Nonaligned Movement meeting, apparently in protest over the attendance of his rival from the Fatah faction.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar confirmed that Mahmoud Zahar wasn't attending the two-day Nonaligned Movement foreign ministers meeting, which began Monday, but stressed it was not a boycott.
"He is not boycotting the meeting. I met him in the morning. I had a very good discussion with him," Syed Hamid said.
The Palestinians were instead represented by Farouk Kaddoumi, from the Fatah faction of the PLO, based in Tunis, Tunisia.
Fatah has been locked in a power struggle with Hamas since the militant Islamic group, which has vowed the destruction of Israel, won legislative elections in January and formed a government.
Relations between the two factions worsened after Hamas formed a private 3,000-strong militia to counter Fatah. Deployed earlier this month, the militia clashed with Fatah-dominated regular security forces, leaving 10 people dead.
Malaysia's Foreign Ministry, which is hosting the meeting, had earlier said that both officials would represent the Palestinian Authority. On arrival in Malaysia, Zahar had even given an interview to the national news agency Bernama, hailing his presence as Hamas' first participation in a high-profile international event.
Syed Hamid said Malaysia had no problems with both officials attending, but Zahar is now treating his presence in Malaysia as a bilateral visit. "We accept that."
"We have no problems in including (Hamas) for the meeting but they have decided not to come," he said.
Asked what was the main reason for Zahar's absence, Syed Hamid said: "Now that Farouk Kaddoumi is here."
Zahar was not immediately available for comment, but Kaddoumi told reporters that he included Zahar in his delegation to "train him" in diplomacy.
"I told him I was going to train him and turn over the whole process over to him. He is still a young man. He doesn't have the experience," Kaddoumi said.
Zahar, 55, has limited power and is barred from traveling to the West Bank city of Ramallah -- the hub of Palestinian diplomatic activity. He is also unable to receive visas to the United States and Europe, carrying out his job over the phone.
Kaddoumi said there are political differences between Fatah and Hamas, but "both of us are fighting, resisting occupation."
"The problem is not with the Hamas. They are good boys. They are fighters. They are our sons. The problem is with Israel." |
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