Hamas Spokesperson Calls for Boycott of Autumn Peace Summit

9 October 2007

"Reaching an agreement with the Palestinians is still very far away and full of impediments."

Khan Younis – Ma'an – Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri urged the Palestinian Authority to reconsider its decision to participate in the US-sponsored peace summit, to be held in November.

Abu Zuhri's remarks were made in response to the statement of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, in which he said "reaching an agreement with the Palestinians is still very far away and full of impediments."

Abu Zuhri appealed to Arab states and organizations to boycott the conference and take decisive measures to protect the Palestinian people.

Olmert's declarations, said Abu Zuhri, reflect Israel's unwillingness to make concessions to the Palestinians.