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Hamas rejects PLO intervention in forming new Palestinian gov't

Xinhua, June 24, 2015 Adjust font size:

Islamic Hamas movement on Wednesday voiced rejection of the intervention by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in forming a new unity government.

An interim leading body to reactivate the PLO, which groups all Palestinian factions, "is the only body authorized to form the government," Hamas spokesman in Gaza Sami Abu Zuhri said in an emailed press statement.

The interim group was formed in May 2011 following a reconciliation agreement signed in Cairo between Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Fatah Party.

Hamas supports the formation of a unity government but only via dialogue that guarantees consensus on all points related to the government and addresses all crises resulted from the former government, he said.

On Monday, the PLO executive committee decided to form a committee to start contacts with all Palestinian political powers and factions to form a new government within one week.

The new government will replace a consensus government formed formed last year in a bid to heal rifts between Hamas and Abbas' Fatah party. However, the outgoing government was unable to perform its responsibilities due to deep disputes between the two rivals.

Earlier, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has consulted with Hamas on forming the new government, saying that he is determined that the next administration should abide PLO's political platform.

Hamas' Gaza spokesman said his movement was informed about what Abbas has to offer on the next government, and that his movement has rejected the proposal.

He added that "Abbas doesn't have the right to make any reshuffle to any government alone, but in accordance with the Palestinian factions, including Hamas."

Abu Zuhri complained that Abbas has not consulted or coordinated with Hamas on any step related to a new government, adding that "our position is clear that any changes have to be made in coordination with the factions."

Hamas movement is not part of the PLO, and has also refused to follow the organization's key political platform, including the recognition of the state of Israel. Endit