Hamas rejects Abbas call for Palestinian referendum

Hamas rejects Abbas call for Palestinian referendum

Chris McGreal in Jerusalem
Monday June 5, 2006
The Guardian


The Hamas government yesterday rejected as "illegal" plans by the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, to call a referendum unless the Islamist group agrees in principle by tomorrow to recognise Israel and negotiate a two-state solution.
Hamas appears paralysed by Mr Abbas's ultimatum for it to accept a document drawn up by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails that accepts a final settlement with Israel of two states living side by side. Hamas says it is unable to agree to the document in its present form. But it is also concerned about the political damage it will suffer if, as opinion polls suggest, a large majority of Palestinians back Mr Abbas and the prisoners' document.

Yesterday the prime minister, Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas, attacked the referendum itself. "The local law does not permit holding referendums on the Palestinian law," he said.

Aides to Mr Abbas said that as the referendum is non-binding and about seeking public approval for a policy, there is no legal obstacle to the president ordering it.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,1790484,00.html