Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan welcome unity deal

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=692630

BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Former US president Jimmy Carter and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Thursday welcomed the reconciliation agreement signed a day earlier between Hamas and the PLO.

"Palestinian reconciliation should not be seen as undermining prospects for a negotiated two-state solution," Kofi Annan said in a statement released by The Elders, an independent group of global leaders who work together for peace.

"On the contrary, any lasting peace with Israel will have to be predicated on a peace agreement with a unified and democratic Palestinian government exercising its authority in both the West Bank and Gaza."

Jimmy Carter commended the Palestinian factions for securing the agreement and urged all parties to implement it swiftly.

[Jefferson23]

1. Not surprising, good for both of them. n/t