Cairo: Palestinian factions meeting in Cairo wrapped up two days of talks aimed at reconciling the rival Hamas and Fatah late on Saturday, although divisions remained over how exactly to apply the deal, an official said.
The talks, which began on Friday, were held under the umbrella of the provisional governing body of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).
“We agreed with Hamas to start consultations with the Palestinian factions about the formation of a government of technocrats led by President [Mahmoud] Abbas under terms of the Doha Agreement,” Fatah delegation chief Azzam Al Ahmad told reporters, referring to a deal between Hamas and Fatah nearly a year ago.
“There was agreement over most of the questions, except several points concerning the election law for the [Palestinian] National Council,” he said of the PLO’s sprawling legislature.
PLO Executive Committee member Wassel Abu Yousuf had earlier on Saturday said that the main points of dispute were over the way elections were held for the PNC, as well as other issues relating to legislative and presidential elections in the Palestinian territories.
Caretaker cabinet
He also said there was disagreement over the timing of the establishment of a caretaker cabinet, which is supposed to prepare for new elections, and the announcement of a date for such a poll.
“Fatah wants the government formed at the same time as a decree setting the date for elections,” Abu Yousuf said.
“Hamas wants the government to be formed first to end the division before the date of elections is decided.”
Maher Al Taher, head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine delegation, agreed there would need to be more talks to iron out differences of opinion.
“The atmosphere was positive but we need another meeting to sort out some interpretations and differences in point of view,” he told reporters.
Another point of dispute is the type of voting system to be used, officials said.
