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Abbas convenes emergency meeting to discuss Obama speech; Hamas calls speech ‘total failure’
Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas yesterday called an emergency meeting with the PA leadership to discuss President Barack Obama’s Middle East foreign policy speech. Abbas also spoke to several Arab leaders to consult them regarding the speech. PLO Executive Committee member, Saeb Erekat said that Abbas remains committed to Palestinian obligations according to international agreements – the Roadmap plan and the 2002 Arab peace initiative. ‘President Abbas affirms his appreciation for President Obama’s declaration regarding people’s right to self-determination, freedom and dignity, as well as ensuring freedom of worship,’ Erekat said.
Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri said that President Obama’s speech yesterday was a ‘total failure’ and that the Arab nation does not need a lesson on democracy from Obama. Zuhri urged the PA not to endorse the speech. Zuhri also told Al Jazeera television that Obama’s speech was disappointing and did not propose anything new.