GAZA CITY — Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has relayed
his intention to delay legislative elections until 2006.
Abbas told Hamas leaders that he would not hold elections of the
Palestinian Legislative Council until next year. He said the PA would
require time to arrange such elections, including the provision of three
months notice to candidates and the electorate.
PA officials said security forces have ended active intervention in the
clashes between rival Fatah factions as well as Palestinian families. They
said the Interior Ministry has lost control over the security forces and
failed to maintain a chain of command.
"The PA security forces are largely idle," an official said. "They are
without any credible commanders."
The decision to delay elections until 2006 was said to have angered
Hamas. Officials said Hamas, warning of escalating tensions within
Palestinian areas, particularly in the Gaza Strip, has refused to cooperate
with Abbas in effort to impose control over areas slated for Israeli
evacuation.
"These factions have not responded yet, as they haven't decided to work
with us," Civil Affairs Minister Mohammed Dahlan said, the de facto security
chief in the Gaza Strip, said.
On Thursday, the Fatah Central Committee convenes in Amman. Palestinian
National Council president Salim Zaanoun said the session would seek to
facilitate PLC elections as well as resolve the dispute between Fatah chief
Farouk Khaddoumy and PA Foreign Minister Nasser Qidwa. Khaddoumy has long
been regarded as head of foreign affairs for the PLO.
Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei said the PA would continue its state of
emergency until after the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and
northern West Bank. Qurei urged Hamas to join what he termed a "liberation
Cabinet."
"Let us call this Cabinet, a government of withdrawal or a government of
liberation or a government of a national unity," Qurei said. "All those who
wish to join the government are welcome."