Monday, May 29, 2006

Abbas dismisses Hamas objections, vows referendum on peace process

The Daily Star - Politics - Abbas dismisses Hamas objections, vows referendum on peace process: "Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Sunday brushed aside protests from Hamas and vowed to push through with his plan for a referendum unless the factions resolve their differences. Abbas, who was to host a meeting with representatives from the governing Hamas movement later in the day, said he was not prepared for the bickering between the Islamists and his own Fatah Movement to continue for much longer.

The Hamas-led government's private militia returned to the streets of Gaza after a one-day absence Saturday, complicating efforts to end an increasingly bloody standoff with Abbas' rival Fatah Movement.

Although the force was out in limited numbers, angry Fatah officials said the move risked setting off more violence and accused Hamas of using the militia as a bargaining chip in the stalemate with Abbas."

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