Hamas will not participate in PLO executive committee meeting

GAZA - The Islamic Hamas movement will not be participating in the PLO's executive committee meetings on Tuesday.
Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zahri said that the movement will not be taking part for "technical reasons" as its political bureau director Khalid Mishaal is currently outside the Palestinian territories.
Today's PLO executive committee will be headed by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and will discuss political developments, as well as Israel's reluctance to implement agreements reached between the two sides.
Meanwhile, Hamas leader Musheer Al-Masri told Palestinian radio Tuesday that the movement will be joining the PLO as it "remains the only legal representative of the Palestinian people." He went on to say that the meeting held yesterday in Gaza between Hamas and Abbas came to follow-up on the implementation of agreements arrived at during the Cairo factions' meeting held in mid-March.
On Hamas' stance regarding the Palestinian national charter, Al-Masri said that "agreement must first be reached on all PLO programs, including the charter, which will determine the methods of participation in the different institutions." He noted that for Hamas "the strategic choice for the liberation of Palestine is that of resistance." He expressed hope that Palestinians reach an understanding between them.

KUNA