Elders: Do not exclude Hamas from peace process
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=324770

Published today 09:35 GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Head of the Elders delegation
visiting the Gaza Strip said Saturday evening that the international
community should not exclude Hamas from the peace process.

Former president of Ireland Mary Robinson told reporters in Gaza City that
the Islamist movement should be involved in regional talks "because the
movement actually controls the Gaza Strip and they were elected."

The delegation arrived on Saturday morning through the Rafah crossing with
Egypt for a 24-hour visit to the coastal enclave before commencing a
regional tour.

Robinson and delegation members met with Gaza government premier Ismail
Haniyeh, where she said she had heard "encouraging news" on Palestinian
reconciliation, adding that during her presidency she had been criticized
for meeting with Sinn Féin chairman Gerry Adams "but finally peace was
achieved in the country."

Delegation member and former Algerian foreign minister Lakdhar Brahimi
called on Palestinian leaders to end inter-factional rivalry and finalize a
unity deal. "I address Palestinian leaders, who call themselves leaders,
calling them to close the ranks," he said.

Brahimi also said it "It is a shame on international community to accept
continuation of siege and tyranny against this city, especially after the
latest offensive."

Commenting on the devastation caused by Israel's winter assault last year,
Robinson said "It is unbelievable after the destructive war on Gaza that
people and international organizations are unable to carry out
reconstructions and that UN schools fail to house 40,000 students because
the UNRWA isn't able to rebuild damaged schools."

She also discussed other issues related to human rights and women's rights
in the coastal enclave with Gaza officials.

Former US President Jimmy Carter will join The Elders delegation in Cairo on
Sunday before heading to Damascus then Amman to meet with Hamas leaders.