国际英语新闻：Fatah: Hamas not interested in national reconciliation

RAMALLAH, June 6 (Xinhua) -- A senior official of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party accused Sunday the rival Islamic Hamas movement of not being interested in achieving national unity.

"Hamas is not serious. They are taking the Gaza Strip away from home," Jamal Muhissen, a member of Fatah central committee, told voice of Palestine radio.

He made the remarks in response to Hamas' rejection to a delegation President Abbas planned to send to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip to help bridge the gaps between the two sides.

The visit of Fatah leaders and representatives of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) "is still subject to Hamas' flexibility and readiness to make the delegation's mission successful," Muhissen said.

Earlier, Hamas said there is no need for Abbas' envoys to come to Gaza because they will only press Hamas to accept an Egyptian proposal for reconciliation.

Hamas, which seized control of the Gaza Strip by force in June 2007, still refused to sign on a reconciliation pact drafted by Egypt last October which envisions an end to the political split between Gaza and the West Bank, saying it has reservations that need to be reconsidered.

Muhissen said the delegation aimed to discuss with Hamas about their reservations during its Gaza tour, especially some controversial issues such as the general elections and reforming the PLO.

"However, Hamas' rejection to the visit means they are not interested in reconciliation," he reiterated.