During a meeting on Saturday with visiting French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) announced he plans to continue a dialogue with Premier-designate Tzipi Livni after she assembles her coalition.
 
Regarding the ongoing tensions between the Hamas and Fatah factions in the PA, Abu Mazen confirmed reports that Egypt is mediating an “intensive effort” towards an agreement. The Fatah PA leader told the senior French official “I hope you will soon be able to visit me in Gaza”.
 
A senior Hamas delegation of officials from Gaza and Damascus will be meeting in Cairo on Tuesday, PA sources are reporting. Egypt is seeking the establishment of a technocratic government until elections are held for a new parliament and leader. At present, Hamas objects to early elections.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)