Mashaal: Time to Talk with Hamas

22/01/2009 | Al manar

Hamas politburo chief, Khaled Mashaal, said Wednesday it was "time to talk" with his organization during a speech in Damascus, transmitted via Arab satellite channels.

"I tell European nations ... three years of trying to eliminate Hamas is enough. It is time for you to deal with Hamas, which has gained legitimacy through struggle," said Mashaal.

Mashaal said the war in Gaza was the "first and great real war that our people won," and that "Hamas and the resistance emerged as an indispensable part."

He added, "We achieved our objectives by forcing the enemy to withdraw from Gaza," in reference to the unilateral ceasefire declared by Israel and the withdrawal of Israeli occupation troops, completed Wednesday. The 22-day Israeli aggression against the densely-populated Palestinian territory has killed nearly 1,400 Palestinians, including 420 children.

"But there are two battles to gain. Those of the lifting of the blockade and the opening of crossing points, including Rafah, which is our window on the world, "said Mashaal.

"Gaza has won, the resistance won, the enemy could not impose its conditions," Mashaal said, asking Hamas operatives to "leave their finger on the trigger because the enemy is cunning and would take revenge."

He also criticized the Palestinian Authority, accusing President Mahmoud Abbas of "abandoning resistance to Israeli occupation". He said that Hamas was in favor of Palestinian reconciliation, "but on the basis of resistance, not on the basis of concessions vis-à-vis Israel."

He urged "the wise men of the world", including US President Barack Obama and European leaders currently meeting in Brussels, "to derive the required lessons" from their countries' "shameful" backing of the Israeli offensive "by putting pressure on Israel".

"The Gaza battle represents a turning point in the conflict with the enemy because it sets the stage for a serious and effective liberation strategy. The liberation of Palestine is no longer a dream, but it has become a reality, thanks to the steadfastness of the resistance in Gaza," he said.