The objective behind this document had nothing to do with advancing prospects for peace with Israel. The goal was to promote a Palestinian consensus.

1. The announcement by representatives of Hamas and Fatah that agreement had been reached on this document has been perceived by some as being "a step in the right direction" in terms of efforts to achieve peace between the Palestinians and Israel. In reality, it constitutes a step in the wrong direction.

2. The objective behind this document had nothing to do with advancing prospects for peace with Israel. The goal was to address internal Palestinian interests, promote a Palestinian consensus, and avoid a decline into confrontation between the various Palestinian factions.

3. The document fails to meet the requirements of the Roadmap and the three basic conditions of the Quartet: recognition of Israel's right to exist, ending terrorism, and adherence to all existing agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

4. Explicitly supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state within all the territories "occupied since 1967" does not mean recognition of Israel...