Egypt hosts fifth Al-Fatah and Hamas talks

Egypt: The Palestinian groups Al-Fatah and Hamas resumed here the 5th round of talks aimed at boosting reconciliation and paving the way for a government of national unity.

The talks will focus on establishing a shared cabinet with members of both political forces, realigning Palestinian security bodies and establishing a date for the presidential and legislative polls. Abbas' Constitutional mandate expired on January 9 and Congress ends in 2010.

The meeting led by Egyptian Intelligence Chief, General Omar Suleiman, involves Al-Fatah, led by Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) that controls Gaza Strip, Both Al-Fatah and Hamas, among other Palestinian political organizations, resumed reconciliation talks in February mediated by Egypt.

The most polemic issue here is Hamas' refusal to accept the PNA accords with Israel, recognizing the Jewish state and renouncing armed resistance.

If Hamas and Al-Fatah reach an agreement, they will submit their proposals to the other Palestinian factions to seek consensus.

Cairo, Prensa Latina