Abbas refuses to meet Haniyeh in Gaza

President Abbas left on his own

October 21, 2006

Jerusalem - Ma'an - Informed sources have told Ma'an that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is currently in Gaza, has refused to meet with his Prime Minister, Ismael Haniyeh, in spite of Haniyeh's attempts to meet him.

The source said that Abbas' refusal comes in the context of Haniyeh's statements in Nsairat camp on Friday, in which he confirmed that he rejected the formation of a technocratic government, and his insistence on the formation of a national unity government.

The sources mentioned that the statements of the Prime Minister made the President angry, as he was hoping for Hamas' agreement to the formation of a government made of professionals from each field of ministry. This form of government, is believed by Abbas, will be acceptable and recognisable by the international community.

According to the same sources, President Abbas will only meet with the faction leaders in the Gaza Strip.

It is also expected that he is going to make an agreement with them, composing a memorandum to form a government early next week. This memo will then be handed to Hamas for their study and response. It is expected that, if the response is negative, President Abbas will announce the dissolution of the current government and form a new government from technocrats and professionals.