|
Abbas reiterates election vow
18/12/2006 15:03 - (SA)
Ramallah - Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas told British Prime Minister Tony Blair
on Monday that he would push on with plans for early elections
despite bitter opposition from the Hamas government.
Blair said it was critical that the international community
supported the moderate Abbas in the coming weeks.
The two leaders were meeting in the West Bank city of
Ramallah just hours after a truce took effect in Gaza, following
days of heavy fighting between forces loyal to Abbas and Hamas
that pushed the impoverished strip to the brink of civil war.
Fighting escalated after Abbas called on Saturday for fresh
elections, a move intended to break political deadlock with
Hamas and get Western sanctions on its administration lifted.
"On Saturday, I called for early presidential and
legislative elections. With the current impasse I felt it was
essential to allow the people to have their say on a platform
that achieves Palestinian national interests," Abbas told a
joint news conference with Blair.
But Abbas said he was still open to the formation of a unity
government of technocrats.
No solution in sight
The West has sought to bolster Abbas, who favours a
two-state solution to end conflict with Israel.
The Hamas Islamists seek the Jewish state's destruction and have struggled to govern since taking office in March under the weight of Western sanctions that were imposed because of their refusal to recognise Israel and renounce violence.
Blair said the international community's job was to "support the people of moderation".
"If the international community really means what it says
about supporting people who share the vision of a two state
solution, who are moderate, who are prepared to shoulder their
responsibilities, then now is the time for the international
community to respond," Blair said.
"I believe this is so critical and urgent over the coming weeks."
Abbas's Fatah and Hamas accused each other of violating a
Gaza ceasefire but said it was still in effect.
Officials from Hamas and Fatah were expected to meet on
Monday to try to cement the ceasefire. Previous deals to end
internal fighting this year have quickly collapsed.
Blair, on a drive to revive Middle East peace negotiations,
arrived in Israel just before Hamas and Fatah announced the deal
on Sunday night.
He will hold talks later with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud
Olmert in Jerusalem.
- Reuters
|
News
