Hamas to form government

Ramallah: Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday asked Hamas to form the next Palestinian government and keep existing peace deals.

Abbas also demanded from the new Hamas-dominated parliament to support his moderate policies and negotiations with Israel, which he called a "strategic choice".

"Let us together make peace today, rather than tomorrow," Abbas said. "Let us live in two neighbouring states," he told legislators after a swearing in ceremony.

Hamas legislators quickly rejected Abbas' demands, saying that negotiations with Israel are "not on our agenda", according to Mushir Al Masri, a leading Hamas legislator.

Abbas and Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas' choice for prime minister, said they would try to resolve differences through dialogue.

Once Hamas officially chooses its prime minister, it has five weeks to form a government.

"On my part, you will find all the cooperation and encouragement you need, because our national interest is our first and final goal, and is above any individual faction," Abbas said.

Hamas controls 74 or 132 seats in Parliament, but Abbas retains power as Palestinian Authority president.