Rival Palestinian Factions Reach Reconciliation Agreement

Thursday April 28, 2011 01:35 by George Rishmawi - IMEMC News

Hamas and Fatah sign a reconciliation draft agreement in Cairo Egypt Wednesday evening following rounds of talks, with hope to end a four-year internal unrest in the Palestinian Territories, Palestinian media sources reported.

Cartoon by Palestinian Cartonnist Majed Badra

Both parties agreed, under Egyptian supervision, to form a transitional government soon. The two delegations, headed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Fatah movement and Khaled Mashaal, Hamas' politburo chief, discussed the security issue and ways to coordinate the two security forces that Hamas and Fatah control. They have set a date for general elections to take place, however, it is not disclosed yet.

A Hamas official reported that all points of differences with Fatah have been overcome. During the past month, Palestinian youth protested in a number of West Bank and Gaza areas calling for ending division.

Egyptian sources said that the two parties will be invited into Egypt soon to an official signing ceremony.

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