LOC22:30
19:30 GMT
GAZA, Aug 13 (KUNA) -- A spokesman for the Palestinian Islamic Jihad
movement dismissed Monday a media report alleging that some Fatah members had
joined the movement in order to continue to carry arms.
Abu Ahmad, official spokesman for the Al-Quds Brigades, military wing of
the Islamic Jihad, said his group had nothing to do with a statement that was
issued in the brigades' name on Monday.
"The Brigades is very meticulous in choosing its recruits" and selects them
after studying the background of all potential members, Abu Ahmad said and
stressed that the only reason for joining the movement was to "fight the
Zionist occupation forces, defend the interests of our people and regain our
stolen rights."
Abu Ahmad denied, in an indirect allusion to Hamas, that some people had
joined the movement to "attack this or that side (Hamas)."
He added that the Al-Quds Brigades would remain a safety valve for
Palestinian unity and would never be a factor of tension on the Palestinian
scene.
A statement had been issued earlier Monday alleging that dozens of Fatah
members had joined the Islamic Jihad in order to avoid having their weapons
confiscated.
The statement accused the new recruits in the Islamic Jihad of forming
units in order to launch attacks against the Executive Force, which was loyal
to the dismissed cabinet, led by Hamas former Prime Minister Ismail Haniya.
(end)
zt.eh
KUNA 132230 Aug 07NNNN