Haniyeh welcomes US shift, says willing to talk

 Gaza – Ma’an – There is nothing wrong with talking to the United States, de facto Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh told American delegates on a medical mission in Gaza on Wednesday.

Hamas welcomes the new language of US President Barack Obama, Haniyeh added, but noted the administration must implement its plans so the Palestinian people can establish their state with Jerusalem as its capital.

“I am convinced of the fairness of the rules of democracy, pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power in Palestine,” he told the delegation, but noted the punishment the Palestinian people received when they fairly elected Hamas in 2006.

The United States has the ability to bring peace to the region, Haniyeh added, and we have no issues with the Americans, but asked them to back up their pledges.

Haniyeh welcomed the delegation to Gaza, thanking them for their humanitarian and social services. He also said that the visit had a special meaning, as it demonstrated support from the American people for Gazans and their rejection of the Israeli siege.