Palestinians to resume round of talks

The Palestinian factions have agreed to resume reconciliation talks they have been holding in Egypt after a disagreement between the two main movements over the government of National Unity, sources said here on Friday.

According to MENA agency, the lack of understanding was evident between the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) that controls Gaza, and the Al-Fatah group, which leads in the West Bank and is chaired by Palestine National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

The Egyptian official news agency cited top-rank sources according to which the parts demanded more time to consult issues regarding unity government and eventual legislative and presidential elections.

The Palestinian groups began a third round of talks in March, under Egypt mediation.

Hamas, which won the 2006 parliamentary elections, is a fierce antagonist of Al-Fatah. Both factions have even been involved in armed clashes.

The most recent round of talks had begun Wednesday in Cairo in a favourable environment.

Talks were backed by the 22-country Arab League at the recently-held Doha summit.

- Prensa Latina