Palestinian unity moves welcomed

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/6458321.stm

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The Arab League has welcomed the formation of a Palestinian unity government, announced on Thursday by Prime Minister Ismail Haniya.

Arab League spokesman Alaa Rushdi told the BBC that the move would help the work of the Arab summit to be held in Saudi Arabia later this month.

"Focus now will be on moving the peace process with a united Palestinian stand," Mr Rushdi said.

The Palestinian parliament will vote on the new government on Saturday.

Israeli officials have criticised the new government's platform which they say does not reject Hamas's core principle of not recognising Israel.

US and European Union officials say they are waiting for the final outcome of the unity talks before deciding whether to lift economic sanctions imposed on the outgoing Hamas-led government.