Region | Palestinian Territories
Hamas must inform Abbas of PM's choice
Following President Mahmoud Abbas's request to Hamas to form the government at the opening of parliament, Hamas now has to inform him of its choice for prime minister.
- Reuters
- Published: 00:00 February 18, 2006
Ramallah: Following President Mahmoud Abbas's request to Hamas to form the government at the opening of parliament, Hamas now has to inform him of its choice for prime minister.
Hamas officials said Esmail Haniyeh had been chosen, though Abbas has not been formally told of this yet.
Abbas is expected to submit a request to Hamas setting out the lines he wants the government to follow. This will include respecting past peace accords with Israel, accepting the idea of talks and supporting only non-violent action.
Abbas is expected to go to the Gaza Strip to meet Haniyeh.
According to the law, Hamas has up to five weeks. If Hamas fails to form a government during this period, Abbas has the right to ask another parliamentary bloc or anybody from outside parliament to form a government.
Hamas has said its government will be ready in early March.
Hamas still hopes to convince Fatah, now the largest opposition group, to join its government. Fatah has refused.
Some Hamas officials say they prefer a national coalition cabinet with other factions and independents, but others say they might appoint only Hamas ministers.
Their final decision will be made after Fatah's leadership meets next week.
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