Abbas to head interim unity government ahead of elections
This is a key achievement for the Palestinians, Fatah official says
Ramallah: The main Palestinian political rivals yesterday took a major step towards healing their bitter rift, agreeing that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas would head an interim unity government to prepare for general elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Abbas and Hamas chief Khalid Mesha'al said they would move forward without delay, though it appears unlikely elections can be held in May, as initially envisioned.
Monday's agreement, brokered by Qatar, seemed to bring reconciliation within reach for the first time since the rivals established separate governments, following Hamas' takeover of Gaza in 2007. Previous deals have collapsed amid deep suspicions and intervention by the sides' rival foreign patrons.
"This is a key achievement for the Palestinian people. Israel has taken great advantage of our division problem," Jamal Muhaisen, a member of the Fatah Central Committee, told Gulf News.
Monday's breakthrough came after two days of meetings between Abbas and Mesha'al, hosted by Qatar's Emir Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.
With inputs from AP
