Ramallah – Ma'an – De facto Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on Thursday met at his office in Gaza John Daniel Roch, Swiss special envoy to the Middle East.

The two figures discussed Palestinian conciliation, the Hamas government’s relationship with Europe, and justice Richard Goldstone's report that was delayed at the UN Human Rights Council last Friday.

Haniyeh expressed appreciation to the Swiss government for respecting the results of Palestine's 2006 elections and its vocal rejection of the Gaza siege and Israel's winter assault.

Regarding the UN fact-finding investigation, Haniyeh said, "We cooperated with Goldstone and his commission, which demonstrates that we are not against the Jews [of Israel] because they are Jewish... We are ready to cooperate with anyone who rejects occupation."

"I heard that Goldstone himself cried when he found out the report had been withdrawn for a vote at the UN Human Rights Council," he added. "This decision was a shock for us and sparked anger."