Hamas militia returns to streets
The Hamas-led government’s private militia returned to the streets of Gaza Saturday after a one-day absence, complicating efforts to end an increasingly bloody standoff with President Mahmoud Abbas’ rival Fatah movement.
Although the force was out in limited numbers, angry Fatah officials said the move risked setting off more violence and accused Hamas of using the militia as a bargaining chip in the stalemate with Abbas.
Abbas has issued an ultimatum to Hamas to accept by next week a plan for a Palestinian state alongside Israel. The plan implies recognition of Israel and accepting it would effectively mean an end to Hamas’ stated aim of destroying the Jewish state. Hamas officials signaled Saturday they would not honor the deadline.
Krakow, Poland
Pope boosts talk of canonization
Poland’s hopes for a speedy canonization of the late Pope John Paul II got a boost Saturday after Pope Benedict XVI told crowds that his predecessor’s campaign for sainthood would conclude in the “near future.”
The comments came amid a flurry of speculation that Benedict might spontaneously proclaim John Paul’s sainthood during his 4-day trip to Poland; Benedict, however, did not go that far.
But his impromptu remarks lent further support to the late pontiff’s campaign, which is being headed in Poland by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, archbishop of Krakow and John Paul’s former secretary.
“Your Cardinal Stanislaw expresses the hope, as do I, that in the near future we will be able to enjoy the beatification and canonization of John Paul II,” the pope said, speaking in Italian.
Tokyo
Michael Jackson thanks Japanese
Michael Jackson made his first public appearance since being acquitted on child molestation charges, choking up as he thanked Japanese fans at an award ceremony Saturday.
“I’m honored to be in Japan again and I’m very happy to be among the Japanese people because I love them very much,” Jackson said in a brief appearance at MTV Japan’s “Legend Award” ceremony at Yoyogi Olympic Stadium. “Thank you for your loyalty.”
Jackson arrived Friday night with his three children and will stay through Wednesday on the first leg of a swing through Asia.