By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Egyptian and Bahraini leaders have underlined the importance of reaching conciliation between the Palestinian factions to bring about unity among them.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and King of Bahrain Hamad bin Essa Al-Khalifa underscored the importance of clearing obstacles and back the joint Arab action at all levels.
Mubarak’s spokesman, Ambassador Suleiman Awwad told reporters Monday both leaders discussed the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and bilateral ties.
They also discussed the outcome of the recent Arab foreign ministers’ meeting, said Awwad, adding that Mubarak and King Hamad reviewed the Egyptian-sponsored conciliation talks between the Palestinian factions.
Egypt, said Awwad, was determined to clear the clouds between the Palestinian political parties. Egypt sponsored three rounds of Palestinian national dialogue in March 2005.
Mubarak and King Hamad, he said, also discussed Tuesday’s election to elect a leader for the Israeli Kadima party and how it might affect ongoing peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians.
The Egyptian spokesman said achieving inter-Palestinian conciliation was the desire of all Arab countries, and asserted that the Palestinian parties have no other option but to reunite to face numerous challenges.
Awwad, meanwhile, said closing the file of Palestinian prisoners and the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit would pave way for the lifting of Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip and protecting the Gazan people, as well as enforcing the truce between Hamas and the Jewish state.
Brushing aside claims over the legitimacy of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Awwad said he was the elected president of the Palestinian people and thus deserved all support from the Palestinian people and Arab countries.
On the other hand, Awwad said Mubarak and King Hamad discussed the Sept 16 national dialogue between the Lebanese parties. The situation in Iraq and Sudan were also discussed, said the spokesman.