Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced he will call new elections at the earliest date possible despite vehement opposition from the ruling Hamas movement.
Abbas made the remark on Saturday in a live televised speech amid continued sporadic clashes between armed supporters of Hamas and Fatah. CRI Jerusalem correspondent Liao Jibo has more.
Reporter:
 In about one and a half hour’s speech, Abbas strongly criticized the Hamas-led government for the international economic siege and the failure of talks to form a unity government.
As a result, he said he had decided to call for early elections
“I have decided to call for early presidential and parliament elections…”
Abbas also left the door open for Hamas to form a unity government during the interim period.
Hamas immediately rejected Abbas’ decision. A statement by the Hamas government says it considers the early elections as coup against the government, and they could also cause more conflicts.
Fauzi Barhoum is the spokesman of Hamas.
"If Abu Mazen (referring to Mahmoud Abbas) want to make early parliament elections, (it's) against the right and against the law and against the constitution. So he have (has) to respect the Palestinian resolution at 25 of January that he give Hamas the majority at the parliament seats according to Hamas programme."
Thousands of Hamas supporters also rallied in Gaza to protest Abbas’ speech, while Fatah supporters staged marches in the West Bank and Gaza to celebrate Abbas’ decision.
Israel and the International community have also responded warmly to Abbas decision. Israeli government spokeswoman Miri Eisin reiterated support for Abbas.
“Abu Mazen has been one of those moderates. He has spoken clearly of his support for negotiations, if early elections or a change in the Palestinian Authority bring out more of the moderates we'll certainly support that. ”
British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is on his way to the region, has also called on the west to support Abbas.
“I think this is a very important speech at a critical time. He has worked hard to try and bring about a unity government in which everyone, including Hamas, is represented but he is also signaling his determination to move on without them (Hamas) if they are unwilling or unable to play a constructive part.”
An aid of Abbas says the new elections may happen in three months, but Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat doesn’t expect them before next June, due to legal and technical difficulties.
Analysts say the decision is a political gamble for Abbas. It is not clear whether Hamas or Fatah will win the elections. Abbas also said before he would quit after his term ends, so it also remains a question if he is going to run the presidential elections.
There is also a possibility of a civil war. Hours after his speech, Fatah and Hamas militants went back to fight each other in several towns across Gaza Strip, leaving dozens wounded.
Liao Jibo, CRI News, Jerusalem
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Director: Liu Chi