Palestinian Prime Minister meets Egyptian officials in Cairo

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-30-2006 09:14

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh is in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials.

Discussions began on Wednesday, and deal with plans for a prisoner-swap with Israel and the formation of a Palestinian coalition government. Wei Sue Loke explains.

Haniyeh briefed Egyptian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, on the latest developments in the Palestinian territories, as well as a proposed prisoner exchange with Israel. He also discussed ongoing negotiations for a Palestinian unity government.

Lack of agreement on these issues have impeded the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, in which Egypt is playing a key role as mediator.

Ismail Haniyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister said, "We made good efforts in national unity government talks and we agreed on the framework and the basic elements for this government. This dialogue is ongoing and I hope we'll see results the moment we end our internal talks."

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Egyptian foreign minister said, "Egypt's relations with the Palestinians is one in which assistance is continuously offered, which means we offer electricity and food all part of the continuous assistance we give to the Palestinians."

Haniyeh also held talks with Arab League Secretary General, Amr Moussa.

Haniyeh called on the international community to pressure Israel into accepting an independent Palestinian state based on borders drawn after a six-day war in 1967.

He also pledged his government would abide by the cease-fire as long as Israel also did so.

Editor:Du Xiaodan