Haniyeh calls for calm in Gaza as Abbas selects new Prime Minister

Friday June 15, 2007 14:34 by John Smith - IMEMC & Agencies

Ismail Haniyeh, the dismissed Palestinian Prime Minister, has called on Palestinians to display restraint, noting that he hopes for reconciliation talks with Fatah in the coming days. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has selected the independent Salam Fayyad as his new Prime Minister.

Fired Palestinian Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh of Hamas (File)

After five days of fighting in which Fatah forces in Gaza have been routed and Hamas have established near-total control in the coastal region, dismissed Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has requested that Palestinians remain calm and refrain from looting abandoned Fatah buildings and positions, promising that the Hamas movement would restore peace and security in the troubled region.

Haniyeh also indicated that he hoped to hold reconciliation talks with Fatah in the near future, adding that he remained committed to the principles of national unity and to agreements previously signed with the Fatah movement.
Speaking after Friday prayers in Gaza City, Haniyeh stated: "I still affirm that the road is open and wide to reformulating these relations on a firm nationalistic basis."

Shortly after Haniyeh’s statement, President Mahmoud Abbas revealed to the Al Jazeera television station that he has selected the current Finance Minister, the independent Salam Fayyad, as his new Prime Minister.
Fayyad, a non-affiliated politician, is well-respected by the international community and has established himself a reputation as a reformer.

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