12 juin 2007

     Syria is ready to negotiate peace with Israel but refuses conditions on the talks, Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmad Arnous said on Tuesday. "Syria is prepared to resume talks, without any conditions, according to the land-for-peace principle and to achieve stability and security in the region," Arnous said in the first official reaction to an Israeli offer for talks. (21,12)

     Hamas forces captured the headquarters of the Fatah-allied security forces in northern Gaza, Hamas and Fatah officials said. Hamas attacked the compound with mortars and automatic gunfire, and after several hours of battle, seized control, said Hamas commander Wael al-Shakra. A Fatah security official confirmed the building had been lost. He said at least 10 people were killed and 30 were wounded. (21,11)

      Exit polls by Channel 1 indicated that Ehud Barak received 52% of the votes in his run-off for Labor chairmanship against Ami Ayalon (48%). Polls closed at 9 p.m. and concrete results are expected in the coming hours.Channel 10 exit polls indicate Ehud Barak received 51 percent of votes in his run-off for Labor chairmanship against Ami Ayalon. Voter turnout was around 60%.(21,08)

    Prime Minister Ehud Olmert sent a new message to Syrian President Bashar Assad, in which "interesting nuances" were included, according to a senior political source in Jerusalem. The message was sent through Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, who visited Israel on Monday and then traveled to Damascus. According to a senior political source in Jerusalem, the message was sent through Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, who visited Israel Monday and then traveled to Damascus. Bakoyannis was said to have... [Lire la suite]

    Hamas, stepping up a rapidly expanding power struggle in the Gaza Strip, demanded Tuesday that Fatah-allied security forces abandon their positions, threatening to attack those who remained in their posts. Hamas-linked radiom stations said Hamas fighters have already taken control of security installations in northern and central Gaza, as well as the southern town of Khan Yunis. The claim could not be verified independently. Earlier, Hamas gunmen, battling fighters from the rival Fatah movement in the Gaza Strip, on... [Lire la suite]