Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Iran: Abu Marzook Should Apologize before Visiting Tehran | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Waleed Assaf speaking to Israeli security forces in al-Khalil area, yesterday A.F.P


Rammallah- Palestinian sources told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the Hamas delegation has met with Egyptian intelligence last month in Cairo. The delegation spent around two weeks and had plans on visiting Iran alongside other countries. However, Tehran had put forth a condition should Hamas wish to visit Iran, saying that the Hamas delegation chair Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzook should apologize for former declarations made against Iran.

Marzook had previously accused Iran of lying concerning the support it gave the resistance. He revealed that not only the support was close to none, but also was only provided under given conditions in return for Iranian demands Hamas would fulfill.

Sources confirm that Marzook does not wish to comment or address any of the leaked declarations whatsoever. He was afraid that spotlight would focus on many other phone calls and the stance from Iran, which would compromise any chances of restoring the group’s relationship with Iran. Nevertheless, the Hamas deputy chairman refused to apologize.

Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper had published late January the details of a leaked recording it procured. The leaked material reveal Marzook’s harsh criticisms against Iran, and his frustrated statement on how all the Iranian support for Hamas, which was being publicized, was nothing but a lie.

In the recording, Marzook said that no support was sent since 2009.

Iran had arrived at a disaccord with Hamas after the Syrian crisis; the latter supported the Syrian revolution against governmental dictatorship. Dispute escalated after Iran asked Hamas to take a stance against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a step which Hamas ultimately refused.

Sources revealed that Qatar had attempted to mediate for the Hamas delegation to visit Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Hamas hopes that it will be met with open doors in the Kingdom and Turkey.

Hamas leader, Ahmed Youssef, yesterday, expressed that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque’s visit to Egypt has been perceived with sheer positivity by Hamas, which received the visit as to indicate a serious positive step towards regional calming of affairs.

Youssef explained how two of the leading Arab nations reconnecting and striking strengthened alliances with each other would have a great positive effect in restoring stability to many parts of the region.