The Hamas movement has decided to participate in talks with other Palestinian factions in Egypt's capital city of Cairo as a "civilized" way to resolve conflicts, the group said.
Moreover, it accused Israel of blocking its representatives from the occupied Palestinian territories from going to Cairo for the talks.
"In an effort to consolidate dialogue among the Palestinians as a civilized way to resolve conflicts ... Hamas has decided to accept the invitation from the Egyptian leadership," a statement said on Monday.
The move was meant to "strengthen Palestinian national unity for the steadfastedness, resistance and defense of the land and the people in confronting the Zionist occupation," it said.
The delegation will be headed by Moussa Abu Marzuk, deputy president of the Hamas politburo, and would include Imad al-Alami, Mohamad Nazzal, Abu Mohamad Mustapha and Mohamad Naser, it said.
"Hamas had made sure that the delegation includes members of the movement's leadership in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and this desire has been relayed to the Egyptian brothers," it said.
"But the Zionist authorities have refused to give an authorization and guarantee the safe return home of the brothers, a fact that prevented their participation," it added, according to AFP.
Later this week, Egypt is hosting 12 Palestinian factions, including Hamas, to encourage them to "halt attacks on Israelis and pave the way for a revival of peace negotiations." (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
