Haniya plays down upcoming US-sponsored peace forum

GAZA, Oct 6 (KUNA) — Deposed Palestinian Premier Ismail Haniya played down Saturday the significance of next Fall’s US-sponsored international peace forum in Washington to settle Palestine’s case.
In a press statement, Haniya said this forum was a mere attempt to trick some Palestinians, warning against steps aimed at taking improper advantage of the current division between Palestinians.
The forum, he said, was an attempt by the US to normalize ties between Israel and Arab nations, as well as to ensure Arab backing for US policies towards Iraq and Iran.
He brushed off the possibility of reaching Israeli-Palestinian harmony that would meet minimal Palestinian expectations.
“Israel still rejects letting go of Jerusalem, the return of Palestinian immigrants and observing the borders of 1967”, said Haniya.
He added that not much hope should be associated with this forum, urging some Palestinian leaders not to use this forum as a mean to achieve personal benefits at the expense of Gaza and Hamas.
He appealed to Saudi Arabia and Egypt to reconsider their participation in that forum.