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Palestinian talks 'will go ahead' Palestinian talks get under way
(about 7 hours later)
Delayed talks between Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas's political leader Khaled Meshaal will now go ahead, an official says. Delayed talks between Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas's political leader Khaled Meshaal are under way, officials say.
After two days of deadlock top official Saeb Ereket announced the two men were to meet on Sunday evening in Damascus. After two days of deadlock, the two men were holding talks in the Syrian capital Damascus, aides said.
Earlier a senior Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk had said the possibility of talks was "non-existent". Earlier, a senior Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk had said the possibility of talks was "non-existent".
The two sides are locked in a violent dispute over control of the security forces and relations with Israel.The two sides are locked in a violent dispute over control of the security forces and relations with Israel.
Hamas, which won Palestinian elections a year ago and control the cabinet, and Fatah, headed by Mr Abbas, have tried but failed to agree a unity government for months.Hamas, which won Palestinian elections a year ago and control the cabinet, and Fatah, headed by Mr Abbas, have tried but failed to agree a unity government for months.
Fatah advocates negotiations with the Israelis on a future Palestinian state, while Hamas refuses to recognise Israel's right to exist.Fatah advocates negotiations with the Israelis on a future Palestinian state, while Hamas refuses to recognise Israel's right to exist.
"Our message is forbidding infighting, stopping instigation and the formation of a national unity government," said Mr Ereket, as he announced Sunday evening's meeting, following Mr Abbas had met Syrian Vice-President Farouq al-Shara. "Our message is forbidding infighting, stopping instigation and the formation of a national unity government," said key Abbas aide Saeb Erekat.
Election threatElection threat
Mr Abbas threatened in mid-December to hold fresh elections if a deal could not be reached. Hamas said that was tantamount to a coup. Mr Abbas last month threatened to call fresh elections if a deal could not be reached. Hamas said that was tantamount to a coup.
More than 30 Palestinians have been killed in factional violence since then.More than 30 Palestinians have been killed in factional violence since then.
Mr Abbas has already held talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad which were described as "frank" and "amicable".Mr Abbas has already held talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad which were described as "frank" and "amicable".
Mr Meshaal is the political head of Hamas and lives in exile in Damascus.Mr Meshaal is the political head of Hamas and lives in exile in Damascus.
Palestinian legislator Nabil Amr said Mr Assad expressed willingness to back all "efforts aimed at achieving Palestinian unity".Palestinian legislator Nabil Amr said Mr Assad expressed willingness to back all "efforts aimed at achieving Palestinian unity".
Hamas's election victory prompted an international aid boycott last year, which has crippled the Palestinian economy. Hamas's election victory prompted an international aid boycott which has crippled the Palestinian economy.