Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Palestinian Leader seeks Reconciliation with Hamas | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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RAMALLAH, West Bank, (AP) – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he’s determined to form a power-sharing government with his Hamas rivals, despite their deep differences.

Abbas’ comments come a day after Prime Minister Salam Fayyad submitted his resignation. The move is meant to ease the formation of a new caretaker government to oversee new elections.

In the West Bank city of Ramallah on Sunday, Abbas said any new government must accept previous Palestinian obligations. That includes recognizing Israel, which Hamas refuses to do.

Reconciliation talks are taking place in Egypt between Abbas’ Fatah Party and Hamas. Fatah controls the West Bank, while Hamas has ruled Gaza since ousting Fatah in June 2007.