GAZA, April 23 (RIA Novosti) – The rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas have set a five-week timeline to form a unity government together, agreeing to put an end to a long-term conflict, a source close to the negotiations told RIA Novosti Wednesday.
At the talks in the Gaza Strip, the delegations reached “common ground in principle” and will now move forward in working out the details of the agreement.
“We have agreed to form a unity government in five weeks. Today we will discuss who will head it and who will participate in it,” the source told RIA Novosti on condition of anonymity.
Under the deal, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to sign a decree within six months on the terms of holding parliamentary and presidential elections. The sides also agreed to enhance a reform of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to involve all factions.
Hamas has been in power in Gaza since 2007, while rival Palestinian faction Fatah holds sway in the West Bank. The factions earlier signed similar reconciliation agreements, but have yet failed to make progress on forming a united government.
