Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday hailed Egypt’s efforts to end division and achieve Palestinian reconciliation under the auspices of its President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, saying that the Palestinian people appreciate Egypt’s role. 

During a meeting with an Egyptian media delegation in Ramallah, Abbas said that Egypt is essential for us because we are part of its national security and we don’t accept anyone to interfere in our domestic affairs but Egypt, which is assigned by the Arab League (AL) to deal with the reconciliation file.

Abbas voiced keenness on accomplishing the reconciliation after 11 years of the devastating division, saying that the Palestinian state could never be established without unity.

The government’s visit to Gaza Strip reflected our serious desire to achieve reconciliation, Abbas noted.

Abbas pointed out that if Hamas won the elections, we would congratulate it because we believe in democracy.

The Palestinian authority should be the only body 
responsible for the crossings, security and ministries, Abbas said, adding that there should be one authority and one army and we will not accept to repeat the scenario of Lebanon’s Hezbollah here.

We are willing to discuss with Hamas and all Palestinian factions pending issues including the crossings, security and arms, Abbas stated.

Subsidies and grants from Turkey, Qatar, Iran and other countries for Gaza Strip will not be allowed unless they are approved by the Palestinian legitimate authority, he underlined.

He expressed optimism that the independent Palestinian state will be established one day that will not be that soon because the issue is complex. But we are working on rebuilding it step by step including steps taken recently that enhanced the position of Palestine including Interpol membership preceded by UNESCO membership.

We just need time and patience to have our independent state, he said.

Source: MENA