Monday, February 21, 2005

SPIEGEL Interview with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

"I Don't Have a Magic Wand"

1 comment:

Stephen said...

SPIEGEL: But why are you so sure that Hamas and the other militant groups will stick to the ceasefire? Are you willing to use force if it should become necessary?

Abbas: The only power is that of the state and the state has a monopoly on power. I was elected on that basis. No state on earth can afford to allow several authorities to co-exist next to one another. And that's why we will enforce this principle, if necessary.

We are not looking for a conflict with the armed organizations. We are seeking a consensus with them, and so far we have been successful. When problems arise, we meet again and discuss them. That's my way of solving problems of violence.