West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams meets Hamas PM

Published: 9 April, 2009

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams this evening met Ismail Haniya, the Prime Minister of Gaza.

Speaking tonight after a day long series of meetings with a wide section of the Gaza civic, political and business communities and an hour long meeting with Mr Ismail Haniya, Gerry Adams said:

''I welcome the opportunity to engage with so many people here today.

''I was pleased to speak directly with Mr. Haniya. I outlined to him Sinn Féin's view that there should be a complete cessation of all hostilities and armed actions by all sides.

''I emphasised our opinion that dialogue, including substantive and inclusive negotiations, and a genuine peace process, is the only way forward for Palestinians and Israeli's.

''The fact is that the people of Palestine and the people of Israel are destined to live side by side. I believe that most people want a peaceful accommodation.

''Following my meeting with Mr. Haniya I believe that progress is possible.

''Mr. Haniya told me that Hamas wants a peace agreement.

''As I have said consistently there needs to be a dialogue between the people of Palestine and their leadership and the people of Israel and their leadership.

''That is what worked in Ireland.

''I believe that there is a duty on the international community to recognise the democratic outcome of the elections in Palestinian Territories.

''I believe that the people of Palestine and the people of Israel have the right to live free from the fear of threats, with human rights and in dignity and as equals.

''The citizens of Gaza are living in an open air prison. They are being denied their human and national rights. This has to be rectified.''

Mr. Adams continues his visit to Gaza with more political meetings tomorrow and a tour of the area devastated by the Israeli air and ground assault.