Ain-Al-Yaqeen - February 23, 2007

		February 23, 2007

MORE REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES FOR THE RESULTS OF MAKKAH AGREEMENT.
THE WORLD LAUDS THE EFFORTS OF THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES AND HOPES THAT MAKKAH AGREEMENT WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR THE RESUMPTION OF THE PEACE PROCESS.
SAUDI SOURCES: THE ONLY INCENTIVE FOR THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT WAS THE SINCERITY OF THE PALESTINIAN LEADERS TO THEIR PEOPLE AND TO THEIR CAUSE.
ABOU MAZEN: OUR COMMITMENT TO THE AGREEMENT IS FIRM.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz has received telephone calls from the French President Jacques Chirac and President Ismail Omar Guelleh of the republic of Djibouti, congratulating him on his fruitful efforts which led to Makkah agreement between the Palestinian leaders.

In their telephone calls, they lauded the agreement which they said has stemmed Palestinian bloodshed and paved the way for a Palestinian national government.

On his part, the monarch thanked the French and Djiboutian presidents for their noble feelings.

Meanwhile the political editor of SPA wrote the following:

"Saudi officials have followed up with great concern the Palestinian, Arab and international reactions vis-a-vis the agreement signed in Makkah by Hamas and Fatah movements under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz.

The warm welcome given to the agreement by the Palestinians as well as by the arab and foreign officials constitutes a strong and clear indication that a new stage of a unified Palestinian work as well as Arab, Islamic and international support to the Palestinian problem has started following the signing of the agreement.

The political editor pointed out that the Saudi sources have categorically denied the reports carried by some news agencies, quoting a Palestinian official, which said that the kingdom had pledged to extend $1000 million to the government of the Palestinian unified national unity following the announcement of its formation.

The political editor added that the agreement of Makkah was concluded in the presence of the Palestinian leaders in the vicinity of the holy mosque with their own genuine understanding and will, which was free from any pre-conditions, and which was without foreign interventions from any party, and also without any pledges from any party.

The only incentive for the signing of the agreement was the sincerity of the Palestinian leaders to their people and to their cause.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz has received a telephone call from President Omar Hasan Al Basheir of the Sudan.

During the conversation, Al Basheir congratulated King Abdullah on the success of the meeting of the Palestinian leaders recently held in Makkah at an invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

President Al Basheir also lauded the efforts exerted by the Monarch and his patronage of the meeting which culminated in national reconciliation of the Palestinian leaders and stemmed bloodshed among Palestinian people.

On his part, the King thanked the president for his good feelings.

The Chairman of the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas appealed to Fatah and Hamas to stop issuing "provocative" statements about the agreement that was reached in Makkahh last week.

PA officials in Ramallah expressed fear that the statements would sabotage efforts to persuade the international community to accept the Makkah deal and resume financial aid to the Palestinians.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the announcement of the Palestinian unity government and said "he hopes that this agreement will curb the violence, creating a better future for the Palestinian people," U.N. spokeswoman Michele Montas said at U.N. headquarters in New York.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, of Fatah, and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal headed two days of intense negotiations in a Makkah palace overlooking the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine.

The final agreement was announced at a ceremony aired live on Arab television, in which the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz sat with Abbas on his right and Hamas leader Meshaal on his left.

Abbas aide Nabil Amr read a letter from Abbas proclaiming the accord and asking Haniyah of Hamas to form the new coalition government within five weeks, divvying up Cabinet posts between the factions according to a formula agreed on in the Makkah talks.

Abbas and Meshaal insisted the agreement would bring peace between their factions. The Palestinian president said the deal would "satisfy our people ... and bring us to the shores of peace ... This initiative has been crowned with success."

Meshaal vowed the accord would put an end to violence after a series of truces between Fatah and Hamas gunmen that collapsed. "I tell those who fear that the fate of this agreement will be the same fate of the old ones, ... we have pledged our allegiance to God from this sacred place .... and we will go back to our country fully committed to it." "I say to our young people that this is an agreement of the leadership of the biggest groups and none of you should accept any order from others to fire," he said. Before the accord was announced, Hamas and Fatah delegates said the two sides had reached an agreement in principle. But at the ceremony, Abbas aide Amr called it the "final agreement."

In Gaza City, celebratory gunfire was heard for more than an hour after the accord was announced. Residents expressed hope it would mean an end to the violence and the financial boycott, imposed by the West after Hamas came to power.

Saudi Arabia promised $1 billion (¤770 million) in aid to the Palestinians, according to Ahmed Youssef, a political adviser to Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas.

A first test of international acceptance of the deal could come on Feb. 19, when Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Abbas and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are due to meet in Jerusalem for talks intended to revive peace negotiations.

Abbas' aide, Amr, said that Fatah did not have "high expectations" that the financial blockade would be lifted. "When we decided to form the (national unity) government, we didn't have such exceptions. But it was imperative to reach an agreement to end the (internal) conflict," Amr said.

Hamas must propose the candidate for approval by Abbas, but both sides downplayed the potential difficulty in naming the posts. "We have overcome the big issues and now there are just small issues," said Hamas government spokesman Ghazi Hamad. Under the agreement, Hamas will get nine Cabinet posts, including the prime minister position. Fatah gets six, and other factions get four. Besides the interior ministry, independents will get the foreign ministry and planning ministry.

Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) spokesman Ahmad Abdul-Rahman. In a statement to the Palestinian News Agency "WAFA," pointed out that peace and harmony between the Palestinian factions will form a solid ground for political operations as all internal issues will be resolved by dialogue and not by infighting, stressing that the agreement based on the national unity government will create positive environment in the Palestinian public opinion and this is what we need more at this time.

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Abdul Rahman Al-Attiyah welcomed the agreement signed in Makkah between Fatah and Hamas during a meeting sponsored on Thursday by Saudi's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Attiyah said this agreement would have a positive impact on stopping Palestinian bloodshed and boosting national unity.

"This agreement is also important as it would deny Israel the opportunity of claiming there is no real Palestinian partner to negotiate with it," he added.

He noted that the "the historic Makkah agreement is considered a refute of these Israeli claims and is proof that Palestinians are able to negotiate over the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital."

The GCC official also stressed it was important that the world "be aware of the just Palestinian cause and to work on ending this ordeal as it is considered the key to Middle Eastern peace, stability, and security."

Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Mousa welcomed the Palestinian agreement reached in Makkah on forming a Palestinian national unity government.

In a statement, he hailed the role played by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz who patronized the negotiations and enabled them to continue and succeed. Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa hoped that it would de-scale the tension and fend off any adverse repercussions of the infighting, to enable the Palestinians to focus on their prime issue that is establishing an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), welcomed the agreement reached by Fatah and Hamas movements in Makkah under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and the Saudi government.

The Secretary General hailed the agreement as a positive result of great and constant positive efforts.

Sheikh Yusuf Salama, the Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque and former Palestinian Endowments Minister, expressed his happiness over the agreement reached between Fatah and Hamas in Makkah, valuing the extraordinary historical Saudi role towards the Palestinian people and their cause.

"The efforts exerted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to host the Palestinian dialogue sessions in Makkah were fruitful in halting the Palestinian bloodshed."

On the other hand, Palestinian citizens in the West Bank and Gaza organized special processions celebrating the accord of the national reconciliation signed by Fatah and Hamas in the holy city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Foreign Minister of the State of Palestine and Head of the Political Department Of The Palestine Liberation Organization Farooq Al Qadoomi expressed appreciation to the Custodian Of The Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz And Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, for the major role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enable the Palestinian leaders to reach the Makkah agreement.

In a statement, Al Qadoomi welcomed the Makkah agreement which was signed under the patronage of the king.

Shaher Saad, the Secretary General of Palestinian Trade Union, lauded the Saudi role towards the Palestinian people in unifying them.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, he valued the efforts extended by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz that resulted in an agreement on forming a national unity government.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has stood next to the Palestinian people throughout their struggle and supported them at all international forums, he added.

Rafiq Al-Natsh, the former Chief of the Legislative Council and a senior personality in Fatah movement, lauded the invitation extended by by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz that resulted in signing an accord of the national unity government between Hamas and Fatah.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Al-Natsha expressed his happiness and appreciation to King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz and his people for gracing the Palestinian dialogue in Makkah which achieved its expected results by reaching the path to the national unity government.

He lauded the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict and stressed his confidence that these efforts would lead in the end to the establishment of the independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital and the return of Palestinian refugees.

The United Arab Emirates welcomed the Makkah agreement between Fatah and Hamas movements. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahayan expressed deep appreciation for the great efforts exerted by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to reach this agreement

Two members of the Lebanese Parliamentary Future Bloc hailed the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz of Fatah and Hamas agreement reached in Makkah. In press statements, the two members Mohammad Al Hajjar and Ghattas Khoori highly praised efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia led by the king to support Arab legitimate rights and spare Arab bloodshed in patronizing the Makkah agreement reached by the Palestinians.

The Speaker of Kuwaiti Ummah (Nation) Council Jassim Mohammed Al-Khurafi commended the role played by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz in stopping internal Palestinian dispute.

In a telephone call from London with Kuwait News Agency, he said that the king's initiative came from an influential leader who is appreciated by Arab and Muslim nations, noting that the initiative came within the framework of the constructive role played by the king to enhance Arab and Islamic solidarity.

Yemen's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Abu Bakr Al-Qiribi welcomed the agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas movements in Makkah under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz.

In a statement, he commended the king for his sincere efforts in patronizing and providing appropriate atmosphere for reaching the agreement.

The Arab and World states welcomed the Saudi sponsored Fatah-Hamas accord sealed in Holy Makkah.

Syria and the Sultanate of Oman welcomed the Palestinian accord on the formation of the national unity government and approved to work for lifting the siege imposed on the Palestinians.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Mouallem held talks with Omani Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Yousef Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah on bilateral relations and means of boosting them in addition to regional developments.

After the meeting the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a press release that "The two sides welcome the Palestinian brethren for reaching an agreement during the Makkah meeting, regarding the formation of a national unity government and the prohibition of the Palestinian infighting. They also decide to work for lifting the siege imposed on the Palestinian people."

Egypt welcomed the Palestinian unity government formation and national reconciliation struck by Fatah and Hamas and hoped that it would put an end for the current Palestinian infighting crisis.

Foreign Minister Ahmad Abul Ghait urged both parties to comply with their acknowledgments with the aim of realizing the peoples' interests.

He hoped that this would be a step for lifting the siege imposed on the Palestinian people.

Arab Ambassadors lauded the agreement reached by Palestinian leaders in their historic meeting in Makkah at an invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Ahmed Ibn Abdul Aziz Qattan, Saudi permanent representative to the Arab League was quoted as saying.

In a press statement, Qattan said the Arab Ambassadors unanimously made this position during the Arab League ministerial council extraordinary meeting in Cairo.

He said the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques was targeting stemming bloodshed, hoping that intents would become sincere and the Palestinian leaders would live up to their words.

The Iraqi Presidency Council has welcomed the national unity government agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas movements in Makkah under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz.

In a statement issued by the council, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani made a telephone call to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, congratulating him on reaching an agreement and also for the formation of the national unity government. "I am hopeful that this would start a new era of unity and stability," Talabani said. The statement lauded the leading role of Saudi Arabia in this regard, particularly the important role of King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz.

Jordan, Algeria and Syria welcomed the Makkah agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas movements in Makkah under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz.

In Amman, a press statement said that Jordan's King Abdullah II commended continual efforts exerted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to ensure the success of the agreement on stemming bloodshed of Palestinians and forming a Palestinian National Unity government.

In Algiers, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Bejawi expressed his appreciation of and thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his good efforts in reconciling the Palestinians and reaching an agreement on ending Palestinian differences.

In Damascus, during a meeting with Oman's foreign affairs minister Yosef Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah and Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad expressed his satisfaction over the agreement on forming the Palestinian National Unity government, emphasizing the importance of continuing Arab efforts to lift siege on the Palestinian people.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has welcomed the agreement signed by Fatah and Hamas movements under the patronage of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to form a National Unity Government.

In a statement carried by CNN network, Karzai said the agreement will positively contribute to enhancing the pillars of peace and unifying the rank of the Muslims.

He lauded the role played by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz in this respect.

Iran welcomed Makkah agreement reached by Hamas and Fatah movements, stopping bloodshed among Palestinian people and paving the way for a National Unity Government.

Iranian news agency quoted Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Ali Husseini as saying iran welcomes any step that contributes to the unity of Palestinian ranks.

Husseini also lauded the cooperation of the Palestinian leaders and the Saudi patronage of the meeting.

He expressed satisfaction over the agreement as it focuses on solving internal problems of the Palestinians and ending the infighting that resulted from the Israeli and American interference.

He hoped that the step might lead to real unity of Palestinian factions and the liberation of Palestine.

He cited the recent threats on the holy Al Quds as flagrant violation of freedom of religion that necessitates interference of freedom-loving countries in the world to stop Israeli acts of provocation.

Pakistan has welcomed the agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas movements in Makkah under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul aziz.

In a statement, Pakistani Foreign Ministry expressed optimism that the signed agreement would enhance unity and dialogue among the Palestinian factions.

The statement valued the Saudi extraordinary mediating role in assisting the Palestinians, notably the remarkable role of King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz.

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf telephoned Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and congratulated him on the success of his efforts to promote reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas movements, Pakistan Press International (PPI) reported. The President hoped that the Makkah Accord (in this context) would serve as a first vital step to improve security and humanitarian situation in Palestine and lead to the resolution of Palestinian issue.

"The Accord demonstrates respect and esteem, King Abdullah Bin Abul-Aziz is accorded with in the entire Muslim world," the Pakistani President said.

He briefed the Saudi Monarch on his recent visit to Iran and Turkey and his talks with leadership of these countries. During the telephone conversation, the two leaders discussed further steps for effectively launching proposed joint initiative by a group of like-minded Muslim countries to address the current situation in the Middle East, particularly Palestine issue and to bring about harmony in the Muslim world.

Japan welcomed the agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas movements in Makkah under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz.

Media Spokesman of the Japanese Foreign Ministry Mitso Sakaba said in a statement that Japan values this agreement to put an end to the political dispute in the Palestinian territories.

"This agreement is considered as a right step towards resuming the peace process and a move that would end violence and continue negotiations with Israel to maintain stability in the Middle East."

The spokesman expressed Japan's appreciation for the formidable role of King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz in this regard.

Malaysia, the current Chairman of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), welcomed today the agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas movements in Makkah under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Sayed Hamed Al-Bar said on this occasion that his country hopes that the agreement reached in Makkah would find lasting peace and unification of the Palestinian people, describing portfolio distribution that led to forming the national unity government as positive. "Moreover, this would also facilitate successful practical efforts in the Palestinian territories."

In Brussels the European Union (EU) welcomed the deal between Hamas and Fatah to form a Palestinian unity government.

EU spokesperson Benitta Waldner told KUNA over the telephone that the accord is a good start but the EU would wait and see the final form of the unity government and its political tendencies in a "positive but cautious manner".

Cristina Gallach, a spokeswoman for the EU foreign policy Chief Javier Solana said in a remark "We are going to look at all the details with the best will in a positive but cautious manner."

Gallach said the deal had been the subject of intensive consultations between members of the diplomatic Quartet -- the EU, Russia, the United Nations and the United States -- that is trying to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Quartet is due to meet in Berlin after US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice returns from a meeting on February 19 with Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

In other European countries, British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett also called the agreement "important", while France urged support for the new Palestinian government.

"We consider that the creation of a new government on the basis of this programme must be encouraged and supported by the international community in order to pave the way to renewed cooperation and the re-launch of the peace process," French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said.

France's Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy announced his support for the agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas movements to form a national unity government, calling on the world community to support the new government.

In his statement , he said, "I hailed the Palestinian-Palestinian agreement signed in Makkah."

On his part, the spokesman of Russian Foreign Ministry Michael Caminin welcomed the agreement on forming a national unity government, noting that the step is on the track of stability in Palestinian territories. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Sultanov said Moscow welcomes the agreement signed by head of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal. The agreement of the Palestinians to end bloodshed is an important step to normalize the Palestinian situation and to go ahead on the path of the peace process which aims at the establishment of an independent Palestinian state he added.

Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern, who visited the Middle East last week, welcomed the "positive potential" of the Palestinian agreement on a national unity government.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, whose country currently heads the EU, told reporters in Berlin, "I welcome this agreement signed in Makkah and hope that fighting between the Palestinian factions will come to an end." German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm for his part said the agreement was "a step in the right direction."

The European Union, chaired currently by Germany, has expressed its hope that Makkah agreement would put and end to the Palestinian-Palestinian dispute and would help the Palestinian authority to achieve the aspirations of its people in building their community and economy and would lead to resume works on refreshing the peace process in the Middle East.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, whose country chairs EU foreign policy, affirmed his country's support towards any progress achieved by the Palestinians, lauding the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz that turned out to be successful. He hoped that the new Palestinian government would be flexible towards the EU working on the peace process in the Middle East.

In Egypt Palestinian Premier Ismael Haniyah described Makkah conference as successful by all criteria, stressing that the conference has achieved its aims pertaining to the formation of a national unity government and halt of fighting.

Upon arrival at Al-Areesh airport on his way to Gaza, he said that the agreement is good and promising to all classes and national forces of the Palestinian people, affirming that all Palestinians are optimistic about this agreement.

Haniyah noted that he will visit Cairo soon to exchange viewpoints on the importance of the agreement.

The Palestinian Premier emphasized Hamas movement's and the Palestinian government's commitment to the agreement.