Special report: Palestine-Israel Relations

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (R) meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem June 2, 2008.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    GAZA, June 2 (Xinhua) -- A spokesman of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) described the meeting scheduled on Monday between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as "a mockery."

    Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat has earlier reported that Abbas and Olmert would meet later on Monday afternoon and will discuss the peace negotiations and a possible truce between Israeland Gaza militant groups.

    Fawzi Barhoum, Hamas spokesman in Gaza said in a written statement sent to reporters that "this meeting is held to legalize the Jewish settlements activities and the crimes of swallowing the Palestinian land."

    "This meeting is just a salvation boat for Olmert aims at empowering his position as he is accused for bribery's issues. President Abbas unfortunately is helping him by holding such direct meeting with him," said Barhoum.

    Abbas and Olmert had held a series of meetings since both had joined Annapolis peace conference held in the United States late in November last year. Hamas said "such meetings are just a waste of time."

    Erekat has stated that there are three major issues both Olmertand Abbas are scheduled to discuss. Previewing the ongoing negotiations, the roadmap plan, the settlements activities and ending the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip.

    "President Abbas would strongly request the end of all settlements activities including the natural growth of Jewish settlements in the Palestinian territories," Erekat told reporters in Ramallah.