Palestinian Minister Does Not Expect "Miracles" in Unity Government Talks

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki indicated on Wednesday that he does not expect "miracles" from the talks taking place in Moscow regarding the formation of a Palestinian unity government and the reconstruction of Gaza. Al-Maliki stated, "The change aims to rally support for an expanded role for the Palestinian Authority, following the war launched by Israel against Hamas in Gaza." He added about the talks, "We hope to achieve good results concerning a mutual understanding among all factions about the need to support a technocratic government that may emerge." He continued, "Of course, we do not expect miracles to happen in just a simple meeting in Moscow, but I believe that the Moscow meeting should be followed by other meetings in the region soon." The talks, scheduled to take place in the Russian capital on Thursday, will involve representatives from Hamas and Fatah, following the resignation of Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.