EU backs Palestinian reconciliation talks

Gaza: A senior European Union official yesterday voiced support for Palestinian unity talks between rival political factions but said the bloc's final position could only be determined once they reach a deal.

The factions, including Islamist group Hamas and President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah, began reconciliation talks in Cairo on Thursday in a latest bid to agree to form a unity government by March 20 that could end an international embargo on Gaza.

A deal, and a subsequent lifting of the blockade on the coastal strip currently ruled by Hamas, could also help boost Abbas' peacemaking efforts with Israel.

European Union foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, said he discussed Egypt's mediation efforts while in Cairo, but added that the European Union would have to await the outcome of the talks before taking a position.

Solana was making his first visit to Gaza since before June 2007 when Hamas ousted Abbas' Fatah faction. Previous efforts by Arab negotiators to reconcile Fatah and Hamas failed.

"It is just a first step... let's see what happens, but in principle, as the people in Cairo know very well, we are supporting that process," Solana said.

"Let's see what's at the end and we will talk when it comes to an end, but in principle we are supporting them," he added.

The United States, Israel and the European Union have shunned dialogue with Hamas, citing its refusal to renounce violence, recognise Israel and past peace agreements.

Hamas leaders maintained their rejection of the demands.

"We are not willing and we do not want to recognise the Zionist occupation (Israel)," said senior Hamas leader Mahmoud Al Zahar.