Haniyeh Praises Qatar's Efforts in Gaza Reconstruction

Doha, April 23 (QNA) - Prime Minister of the Deposed Palestinian Government and Hamas Political Bureau Vice President Ismail Haniyeh said that HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani's last October visit to Gaza will be reminded forever, as HH was the first Arab leader to visit the Gaza Strip. He stressed that this visit was a break of the political siege imposed on the Gaza Strip. He pointed out that His Highness the Emir has opened the door for other visits, noting to Malaysian Prime Minister's visit. Ismail Haniyeh added that Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also announced to visit Gaza, despite American attempts to dissuade him. He pointed out that these visits enhance the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and emphasize the Arab and Islamic depth for the Palestinian cause. The visits also help to face the policy of the Israeli unjust blockade, Haniyeh said. In an interview with (Al Sharq) Qatari newspaper published Tuesday, Haniyeh praised the bilateral talks he held with HH the Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Qatar's efforts in Gaza reconstruction and reiterated that he had received assurances from HH the Deputy Emir that Qatar will continue its effort in the reconstruction of the sector and there will be more projects and more financial support which relieve the suffering of Gaza people. He explained that Qatari reconstruction projects in Gaza are going well and in accordance with a comfortable mechanism. He also welcomed HH the Emir's initiative to hold a mini-Arab summit in Cairo to follow up the Palestinian reconciliation file and said that he had expressed his willingness to implement what has been agreed upon in Cairo and Doha and asked for further contacts with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to encourage him more to continue on the reconciliation road and end the division as well as not to hang the Palestinian national unity on the interventions or on the absurd negotiations. Prime Minister of the Deposed Palestinian Government expressed his thanks and high appreciation to the State of Qatar for hosting the meetings of the political bureau of Hamas, saying that these meetings took place in a positive atmosphere and that this is in line with Qatar's firm stance in supporting the Palestinian cause and the embrace of the Palestinian people and factions. (QNA)