Peace yes, but resistance is an option, says Abbas

04/08/09 13:49 CET

world news

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The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said his Fatah movement continues to seek peace with Israel, but resistance remains an option. His comments came as the Fatah faction began its three day conference in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. The first of its kind in 20 years. The convention is being seen as a chance to rejuvenate the secular movement.

‘‘Although peace is our choice, we reserve the right to resistance, legitimate under international law,’‘ Abbas said. More than 2000 delegates are taking part in the congress, including veterans living in exile who have been given permits by Israel to attend. Fatah dominated Palestinian politics for decades but has struggled to retain that dominance after losing parliamentary elections to Hamas, and then, violently, control of the Gaza Strip to the same group in 2006.More about: Israel, Mideast, West Bank

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Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

Two Rebel groups have agreed to merge and create an independent Islamic state in Northern Mali. After seizing Azawad – an area larger than France – two months ago, the groups had initially disagreed, with the secular Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA)…