Hamas urges Abbas to clarify stance on reconciliation

Two days before a high-level reconciliation meeting between rival Palestinian factions is to take place, a Hamas leader called on PNA President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday to clarify his stance. "We call on Abbas to think about his main demands - does he really want to end the rift and begin a true partnership for the Palestinian cause or is he just seeking personal advantage?" said Khalil al-Haya, a Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip. He also said the success of Sunday's Cairo meeting depended on "the seriousness and responsibility of both parties, especially Fatah." Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation agreement on May 4 in Cairo, ending a four-year split that began when Hamas ousted Fatah forces from the Gaza Strip in 2007. Since then, Hamas has been controlling Gaza, while Fatah's authority has been limited to the West Bank. The sides have agreed to hold elections and form a national unity government. However, Hamas has repeatedly accused Abbas of violating the deal and impeding reconciliation by demanding that the prime minister of his government should retain his post after elections.