Abbas swears in Hamas parly
2006-02-18 12:55
Ramallah - Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas on Saturday inaugurated the new parliament, dominated by radical Islamist movement Hamas, which is joining the assembly for the first time.
"It's a great day in the history of the Palestinian people given that we are constitutionally inaugurating our second Legislative Council, this Council that was elected by our people in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem in free and honest elections," Abbas declared.
The Palestinian leader announced he was formally charging Hamas, blacklisted by the European Union and United States as a terrorist organisation, with establishing a new government.
"Since Hamas won a majority in the Legislative Council the election results created a new political given and as a result will be charged with forming the new government," he said in a speech.
Abbas promised to cooperate fully with the future government, his former ruling Fatah party routed by Hamas in the January 25 general election.
"I hope that all procedures (to form the government) will be concluded as quickly as possible because enormous tasks await you. From me you receive full cooperation and encouragement because national interest takes precedence."
The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) was inaugurated at the Palestinian Authority headquarters in the West Bank town of Ramallah.
Hamas MPs in the Gaza Strip participated via video link-up because Israel has banned them from travelling to the West Bank.
Hamas occupies 74 seats in the 132-member parliament to Fatah's 45.