Palestinian breakthrough on unity government

[breakaleg]

MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AFP) - Rival Palestinian factions reached a comprehensive deal on forming a government of national unity at marathon talks in Mecca, officials from both sides said.
ADVERTISEMENT

Ruling Islamists Hamas and the
Fatah party of president Mahmud Abbas also agreed on a political programme, but details were not immediately available. Crucial for the Palestinians is whether it will be enough to convince Western donors and
Israel to end a crippling blockade.

"Fatah and Hamas have reached agreement on the division of ministerial posts and on the political programme of a national unity government," a Fatah official said, adding that it could be signed "as early as this evening."

A Hamas official confirmed that the talks had led the clashing factions to reach an accord on a national government and that it was to be "signed soon."

One of the delegates said the two parties would hold a final, closed-door meeting, after which the deal would be signed in the presence of their host, Saudi King Abdullah.

As part of the deal, a major step toward averting civil war, Hamas premier Ismail Haniya will keep his job and the crucial post of interior minister will go to an independent.

"We agreed with Hamas that Ismail Haniya should lead the government of national unity," said Fatah's Azzam al-Ahmed, adding that Fatah would name a deputy prime minister.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070208/wl_mideast_afp/mideastconflict_070208175108;_ylt=AuMRhLMOOGFs8oBFMgLhIPoUewgF