In an unscheduled meeting at the World Summit of the Information Society in Tunisia today (Wednesday, 16 November), PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas told FM Silvan Shalom he is pleased at Tuesday's agreement on a Gaza Strip border crossing, while Shalom reiterated Israel's opposition to Hamas running in the upcoming Palestinian Authority elections.
"Hamas is trying to undermine your government and as far as
we are concerned, Hamas is a terror organization," Shalom was quoted as telling Abbas.
Their encounter reportedly took place by accident, as Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has refused to meet with Abbas or resume peace talks until the PA fulfills its obligations under the Roadmap to dismantle the Palestinian terrorist infrastructure and halt terrorist attacks on Israelis.
"Terrorism is a central issue for us," Shalom told reporters after the meeting.
He and Abbas then held a second, scheduled meeting later in the day with the participation of United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Israel Radio reported.