GAZA, April 23 (KUNA) -- Israel anew voiced dismay on Wednesday at current efforts to mend fences between the Palestinian Authority of President Mahmoud Abbas and the Islamic movement, Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement during a formal reception of the Austrian foreign minister in Jerusalem, excerpts of which were carried by the media monitored here, said President Abbas "should choose either peace with Israel or conciliation with the Hamas movement.
"He cannot achieve both goals at the same time." His remarks came following reports that two sides had tentatively agreed on formation of a unity government, prospected in five weeks.
"President Abbas must choose either conciliation with Hamas or peace with Israel and peace can only be realized with a single party, not two," the Israeli premier said.
Palestinian officials say the conciliation with Hamas will not be at expense of the peace talks with Israel.
Netanyahu also accused Abbas of putting new terms "each time the two sides approach a final deal." (end) mzt.rk