bitterlemons: Did you expect to become prime minister?
Haniyeh: I imagined that one day Hamas would be at the helm of
power, but at the personal level I never thought about any position or seat
because this is not part of our education. This position, however, is a
mandate from the people first and Hamas second.
bitterlemons: What were the main points and conditions included in
the letter of commission you received from President Mahmoud Abbas?
Haniyeh: The letter did not include any conditions. President
Abbas spoke about the components of his political vision, but without
stipulating conditions. While forming its political platform, the government
takes into consideration all political issues. However, it must also
preserve the vision on which the movement based its electoral platform. At
the moment we are searching for common ground.
bitterlemons: What are the main components of the new government's
political platform?
Haniyeh: I do not want to go into detail about the political
platform of the government because there are still ongoing discussions with
other factions. I can say, however, that the government's political platform
is based on Hamas' electoral program. The wording may eventually be
different in order to absorb other political outlooks.
bitterlemons: Where have you reached in your discussions on
forming a unity government with Fateh?
Haniyeh: We have repeated time and again that we would prefer a
national coalition government in which all the factions participate
including the brothers in Fateh. We are striving for this through our
intensive discussions and meetings with everyone. Until now, Fateh has not
given an official response; everything being said about its refusal to join
the government is media speculation. Furthermore, [Fateh's] Revolutionary
Council left any decision until the outcome of talks with Hamas was clear.
We are interested in Fateh's participation given that it is a major
faction and has a long history, in addition to it being in the Palestinian
Authority. I believe national interests also necessitate its participation.
bitterlemons: What if Fateh refuses to join?
Haniyeh: If Fateh will not join, we will move on with other
factions. Our discussions with the other factions have progressed well and
there is preliminary agreement with the PFLP, the DFLP, the Independent
Palestine Bloc and Badil to join the government in addition to a number of
independents.
bitterlemons: Is there a possibility of including Fateh
personalities in the government if Fateh refuses to join as a movement?
Haniyeh: We have addressed Fateh as a faction and in an official
capacity but we have no problem looking into different options.
bitterlemons: What about the security services? Will you face
difficulties in controlling them, since most of their members are affiliated
to Fateh?
Haniyeh: We believe the security services must work for the
benefit of the people and not for the benefit of a certain group. They
should also work within the context of the law so there will not be any
violations that would affect the performance of these services. I am
confident that the relationship between the security services and the
government will be fine and run smoothly.
bitterlemons: In this context, what kind of person are you looking
to appoint to take over the interior ministry?
Haniyeh: We are looking for a personality who is well established
in his relationships and is not a new face to the security services.
bitterlemons: How will the new government fight corruption?
Haniyeh: Let me say here that following up on the corruption files
will be dictated by several considerations: first, the judiciary and the law
must be followed; second, we need a gradual reform process; and third, we
will not take any steps that throw PA institutions into confusion.
In our last meeting, President Abbas confirmed that he would continue to
present files to the attorney general. As a government, we will follow up on
these files in a way that coincide with the people's interests.
One of the government's top priorities is to put the Palestinian house in
order. We want to restore respect for the law and the judiciary authority.
These are crucial issues, but they demand patience.
bitterlemons: How will the Hamas government deal with any armed
group that abducts foreigners or carries out other acts provoking security
chaos?
Haniyeh: There are several aspects to the issue of security,
including family feuds and the abduction of foreigners. These issues must be
dealt with regardless of political affiliation.
bitterlemons: But what would happen if there were a kidnapping
after Hamas took power?
Haniyeh: The government will do its duty in providing protection.
We will act wisely.
bitterlemons: What is your response to reports that the US and
western parties are working to undermine a Hamas-led government?
Haniyeh: There is no doubt that the elections in general and
Hamas' victory in particular threw these parties off balance. This has made
them put forward contradictory positions after losing their "compass" in
dealing with the election results.
There are also media-inspired efforts to confine our jurisdictions and
place obstacles in our way by belittling our platform. However, we have what
it takes to succeed and we will offer a good model of governance and general
administration.
I don't think President Abbas will entertain any proposals to reduce the
jurisdiction of the government. He actually told me this in our last meeting
where he reaffirmed that he would offer the government all the jurisdictions
he previously offered when he became president after the late President
Yasser Arafat.
There are also contacts with and signals from various EU countries and
others, including Japan, which confirm their commitment to supporting the
Palestinian people.
After the government is formed, the nature of its regional and
international relationships will become clear and the government's
performance in the various aspects of Palestinian life will become apparent.
Those who have rejected the Hamas government will find themselves before a
new reality that they must deal with. In spite of everything being said in
the press about threats [to this government], I am still optimistic.
bitterlemons: What did Hamas achieve from its Russia visit?
Haniyeh: The results of the Russia visit were positive and we
achieved our goals in terms of penetrating the international arena through a
major country and a member of the UN Security Council. Russia is also a
member of the Quartet and has a long history in the region.
We listened to them and they listened to us and our mutual assessments
were positive. We were informed by the Russians via their ambassador in
Damascus that the Russian leadership was comfortable with the visit.
bitterlemons: Hamas maintains that it will not abandon the armed
resistance. How will Hamas strike a balance between that pledge and its
responsibilities as a government?
Haniyeh: The underlying problem remains the Israeli occupation of
Palestinian land and the continuing Israeli assaults against our people.
During the [current] period of calm, the [Palestinian] factions have proved
that they were not the problem and have been willing to work with the calm.
Furthermore, self-defense is a legitimate right and we will handle the
resistance in a way that serves our people. That is our responsibility as a
government.
bitterlemons: Recently, Israeli officials said you were not immune
from assassination. What is your response?
Haniyeh: These threats are nothing new and they are part of the
general Israeli escalation against our people as well as public figures.
They are also part of the whole atmosphere surrounding the Israeli
elections. Such escalation and threats have always been used for Israeli
electoral purposes. I am not afraid and I have faith that God decides every
person's time.- Published 13/3/2006 © bitterlemons.org
Ismail Haniyeh is the Palestinian prime minister-delegate and headed
Hamas' electoral list.