Abbas Decides to Call Early Elections (AP)

Abbas Decides to Call Early Elections


Saturday December 9, 2006 2:01 PM

AP Photo AKCF106

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday said
he would call early elections to end a political impasse with Hamas, but left open
the possibility for compromise with the Islamic militant group, PLO officials said.

Abbas announced his decision at a meeting of the PLO's powerful executive committee,
and plans a formal announcement in a nationwide speech later this week. "At the end
of the speech, he is going to announce that he will resort to early presidential and
legislative elections but will keep the door open" for forming a unity government
with Hamas, said committee member Khalida Jarar.

Unity talks between Hamas and Abbas' Fatah movement recently broke down.

Last Updated: Saturday, 9 December 2006, 20:58 GMT

Early election talk angers Hamas

The Palestine Liberation Organisation's executive committee has backed early
elections to end the deadlock over forming a national unity government.

The Hamas group, in power since winning January's parliamentary polls, reacted
by condemning the suggestion.

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"The status quo cannot be continued - it is a disaster on the Palestinians,"
said Saeb Erekat.

Palestinians, he added, had to choose between the approach of Mr Abbas and
his Fatah faction and that of Hamas.

-snip-

'Coup'

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya condemned the idea of early elections,
saying they would accentuate "crisis and tensions".

-snip-