Palestinian peace talks to resume in two weeks

Cairo: Peace talks between rival Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah that were cancelled this week are expected to resume in two weeks, a senior Fatah official said on Sunday.

The Egypt-hosted talks were to take place in Cairo but were postponed on Saturday after Hamas said it would not join the meetings.

"Based on available information we have from the Egyptians I expect the resumption of Palestinian talks in Cairo in 10 days, or two weeks at the most," said Nabil Shaath, an advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said that Egypt's proposal to unify the rival factions must remain the basis for talks.

"I ask Egypt to continue its efforts, which would lead to a transitional government," he said.

Hamas had said it was not joining the talks because Fatah continued to detain Hamas members in the West Bank.