Anakara: Turkey's President has called for
"unity and solidarity" between the Palestinian factions during
a meeting with Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal.
A presidential statement said Abdullah Gul expressed the
need for a reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah at a time
when many in the region are "embracing democracy within the
framework of the Arab spring."
Gul met with Hamas' exiled leader in Istanbul on Saturday
as reconciliation efforts have encountered new obstacles.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has said he
cannot form an interim government to prepare for elections
unless he has Israeli assurances that elections are also held
in east Jerusalem.
Mashaal faces internal opposition from Hamas leaders in
Gaza who are reluctant to hand over authority to Abbas.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, March 18, 2012, 00:10