P.A. Lawmaker: U.S. Support of ‘Abbas Is Unwise

The United States’ embrace of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud ‘Abbas is counterproductive, a prominent Palestinian lawmaker said.

“I think such interfering and taking sides in an internal conflict is not useful, especially if it is associated with violations of democratic means and principles,” Dr. Mu’stafa Barghouthi, an independent member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, told The Media Line.

Barghouthi’s remarks came as U.S. President George W. Bush approved a transfer of $86 million to bolster ‘Abbas’ security forces.

Barghouthi has been instrumental in trying to broker a deal between the two rival groups and iron out their differences.

“Hamas won this time. Next time it will lose. I am sure of that. The question is not to kill the whole democratic system because the administration does not agree with the existing government,” he said.

The hard-line Hamas came to power through legislative election exactly one year ago and consequently dominates the Palestinian parliament and government. But the movement’s radical positions have led the international community to freeze aid to the Palestinian Authority, causing a political and economic crisis.

Barghouthi said it was important to strengthen popular involvement and prevent both sides from sliding back into violence.

At least 30 Palestinians have been killed in clashes between supporters of Hamas and Fatah since the weekend.

A shaky truce took effect in Gaza on Wednesday morning, but this has not altogether stopped the exchange of fire.

“The fact that it was immediately put in place is an indication that the leadership on both sides can control the situation if they want [to],” he said.

Barghouthi accused external forces, including Israel, of intervening in internal Palestinian affairs and preventing the formation of a Palestinian unity government. Talks have so far reached a deadlock.