Abbas phones PM Haniyeh in sign of easing tension
Source: Reuters
GAZA, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas telephoned Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas on Thursday in a sign of rapprochement between the two men as the Islamist premier set off on a tour of Arab countries. It was their first phone conversation since Abbas's Dec. 16 appeal for new elections, which Hamas described as a coup attempt against its elected government and which set off a round of bloody clashes. "The president wished his prime minister a successful journey and the prime minister thanked him for his care," an aide to Haniyeh told Reuters. Abbas's office confirmed the call. A truce is holding between Hamas and Abbas's Fatah group. At least 10 Palestinians were killed in fighting between Hamas and Abbas loyalists after the president's election call. The moderate president said new elections were needed to end a U.S.-led boycott imposed to force Hamas to recognise Israel and renounce violence. He still voiced hope of agreeing with Hamas on forming a unity government of technocrats. Haniyeh said arrangements were being made for a meeting with Abbas in Jordan to try to resolve political disputes that obstructed the formation of a unity government. His aides said the summit in Amman was likely to take place after the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, which runs from Saturday to Tuesday. Haniyeh begins his regional tour in Saudi Arabia, where he will attend the rituals of the annual Muslim pilgrimage in Mecca. He said he hoped to meet Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah and other leaders to lobby for financial and political support. He will also visit Kuwait.
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