Jordan Times
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Abbas’ political
faction to meet in Jordan tomorrow
AMMAN (AP) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will hold a meeting of his
Fateh movement in Jordan on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of forming a
unity government with Hamas, the top Palestinian delegate to Jordan said Monday.
Abbas believes that forming a coalition will force Hamas to moderate its stance
and help open the way for the renewal of peace talks. Hamas has so far refused
international calls to recognise Israel, despite a crippling economic boycott.
The two-day meetings of Fateh’s Central Committee will also discuss preparations
for holding a larger meeting of the mainstream Palestinian group, which lost
many Cabinet and parliament seats to Hamas in elections held earlier this year,
said Palestinian Chief of Mission Atta Khairy. He said all 18 members of Fateh’s
Central Committee, including the Palestinian leader, will attend this week’s
meetings.