NABLUS, (PIC)-- Dr. Abdul Sattar Qassem, professor of political science in Najah University and former PA presidential candidate, has opined that the Palestinians should find other sources of financial assistance if they really wanted a speedy success of national dialog.

Qassem told the PIC in an exclusive interview on Thursday that as long as "we take our salaries from western countries then we will never agree, because those countries put the condition that Palestinian factions should not agree in order to continue channeling funds to the PA".

Funds, he asserted, are the main obstacle before signing any Palestinian-Palestinian agreement.

He said that the Palestinians should look for alternative financial resources to get rid of foreign pressures, which, he added, are rampant in the Palestinian political arena.

Qassem expressed cautious optimism toward the success of the ongoing national dialog in Cairo after hearing statements for Palestinian leaders, which insisted on previous stands.

Asked whether he would accept a post in the coming national unity government if it ever materialized, the professor said that he should first read the agreement then decide, adding, "If I was asked to participate in an authority that recognizes the occupation then I would not participate".