Saturday, June 16, 2007

Arab Nations Condemn Hamas and Back Abbas

BBC: Arab nations have condemned the latest infighting in Gaza, pledging fresh support for the embattled Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

His Fatah faction has been ousted from Gaza by rival Hamas militants, ending a week of fierce feuding in which at least 100 people died.

After talks in Cairo, Arab League foreign ministers urged Hamas and Fatah to end their rivalry and co-operate.

A key Hamas leader earlier said he remained willing to work with Mr Abbas.

Khaled Meshaal, Hamas's political leader, who lives in exile in Syria, said Mr Abbas remained the "legitimate" president.

However, Hamas declared as illegal an earlier decree by Mr Abbas that replaced its Prime Minister, Ismail Haniya. Arab League condemns Gaza 'crime' (more)

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Gaza: Arab nations back Abbas

Mark Alexander