GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — A top Hamas official says efforts to form a joint government with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ rival Fatah group have stalled.

Mahmoud Zahar is the first official from either group to openly say the troubled reconciliation talks are at an impasse.

Jordan’s ad-Dustour newspaper cited Zahar on Tuesday as saying the Palestinian unity talks have foundered over the nomination of a prime minister and Abbas’ refusal to submit a proposed Cabinet list for parliament’s approval.

Fatah, which controls the West Bank, wants the current prime minister, Salam Fayyad, to retain his position despite Hamas’ objection.

Hamas, which rules Gaza, dominates the Palestinian legislature.

The dueling governments emerged after Hamas routed Abbas’ forces and overrun Gaza in 2007.