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Abbas postpones elections until 2006

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Thursday, June 30, 2005

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."


Copyright © 2005 East West Services, Inc.

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