Zahhar denies reports that Hamas was ready to hand security premises in Gaza
7 July 2008 Website of Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades - the armed branch of
the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).
www.alqassam.ps/english/?action=showmimp&fid=1089

Dr. Mahmoud Al-Zahhar, one of Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip, on Monday
denied press reports that Hamas movement was ready to hand over security
premises in the strip to the PA leadership in return for the formation of a
national unity government.

He said that the report was completely "inaccurate", noting that the talk
about formation of a national unity government was untimely.

The MP stressed that Hamas would never accept to return the former
preventive security apparatus to its former status in the Strip.

Hamas accepts, however, to discuss all issues at the dialog table including
the restructuring of the security apparatuses on correct national basis.

Asked on Abbas's refusal to meet Khaled Mishaal, the supreme Hamas leader in
Damascus, Zahhar said that Abbas had no permission from the West to do so.

He affirmed that Hamas leaders were not wishing for any speedy meeting with
Abbas or any of his entourage.