Abbas endorses unity cabinet

Gaza: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas yesterday accepted a ministerial list proposed by Prime Minister Esmail Haniya of Hamas paving the way for a unity government that could end bloody factional violence.

Haniya told reporters the government list would be submitted to parliament for a confidence vote tomorrow. He did not give details of the government's programme but said a priority would be to "end the security anarchy" that has claimed more than 90 lives since December.

Israel said it would boycott the government, just as it had shunned its Hamas-run predecessor, until it recognises the Jewish state, renounces violence and accepts past peace deals, as demanded by the Quartet of Middle East mediators.

Haniya said the new government enjoyed Arab support, while the European Union had showed "understanding".

"No doubt that the American administration and Israel have a different position but as Palestinians we will do what is required to reinforce national unity, end tensions and lift the siege," Haniya said.

An Israeli political source said Israel would maintain direct contact with Abbas to "ensure humanitarian coordination and strengthen moderate elements in the Palestinian National Authority".