Hamas and Fatah to renew unity talks

Source: CCTV.com | 01-23-2007 09:52

Palestinian Prime Minister, Ismail Haneya, says Hamas and Fatah factions are due to start a national dialogue shortly. This is despite President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader, Khaled Meshaal, failing to reach agreement on a Unity Government during recent talks in Damascus.

Both factions say some gaps were bridged in the latest talks in the Syrian capital. But they also say there are still deep differences over policy for a power-sharing administration. Hamas has struggled to govern under UN-led sanctions, imposed last year because of its refusal to recognize the state of Israel.

Also on Monday, Israeli Defense Minister, Amir Peretz, announced a new plan that will give Abbas more time to disarm militants and help jump-start peace talks.

Editor:Du Xiaodan