Rival Palestinian groups talk

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-27-2009 14:32

Representatives of rival Palestinian groups have agreed to work towards the formation of a unity government.

The long-awaited dialogue was held Thursday in Cairo, Egypt.

Hamas deputy leader Moussa Abu Marzouk (R) speaks during  a news conference in Cairo, February 26, 2009.REUTERS/ Asmaa Waguih (EGYPT)

A dozen groups have laid out a plan to tackle key issues that could reunite Palestinians after 18 months of schism between Gaza and the West Bank.

All sides say they want a new national unity government to oversee rebuilding Gaza after a three-week Israeli offensive. No timetable has been set for forming that government.

But participants agreed to form five committees to deal with issues including the formation of the cabinet, presidential and legislative elections, and security services.

Senior Hamas leader Moussa Abu Marzouq sounded the call for unity.

Senior Hamas leader Moussa Abu Marzouq said, "Thank you for coming everyone. This is a historic day, a day the Palestinians have been looking forward to for a year and a half, the day the Palestinians move towards union and the real beginning of Palestinian unity."