Fatah and Hamas Announce Outline of Deal
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Ethan Bronner, Isabel Kershner - April 27, 2011 - 12:00am


The two main Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas, announced Wednesday that they were putting aside years of bitter rivalry to create an interim unity government and hold elections within a year, a surprise move that promised to reshape the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East. "It is time for the Palestinian people to reject the corrupt and useless leaders who have used violence and strife to insure their positions. It is also time for Israel to reject the extreme factions of their government."


White House: Palestinian unity gov’t must renounce terror, accept Israel
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)
April 27, 2011 - 12:00am


Reacting to news that rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas had agreed to a reconciliation deal, the Obama government said any Palestinian unity government must accept Israel's right to exist and renounce terrorism -- conditions that Hamas does not meet. The surprise deal to form an interim government and hold general elections within a year was reached Wednesday in secret negotiations in Cairo between the two sides, according to reports. A formal announcement of the reconciliation reportedly will be made next week.


Will Palestine be born this fall?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jordan Times
by Daoud Kuttab - (Opinion) April 28, 2011 - 12:00am


The chances for the birth of a Palestinian state this fall appear to be 50-50. The world community, including the US, seems to favour the idea, but there is clearly a lack of political will and muscle that would push Israel to seriously negotiate the emergence of Palestine. At the same time, major countries, especially the US, do not show enthusiasm for a unilateral declaration coupled with a UN birth certificate.


Will Palestine be born this fall?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jordan Times
by Daoud Kuttab - (Opinion) April 28, 2011 - 12:00am


The chances for the birth of a Palestinian state this fall appear to be 50-50. The world community, including the US, seems to favour the idea, but there is clearly a lack of political will and muscle that would push Israel to seriously negotiate the emergence of Palestine. At the same time, major countries, especially the US, do not show enthusiasm for a unilateral declaration coupled with a UN birth certificate.



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