The Ramallah-based al-Ayyam Daily reported that the PLO delegation was authorized by President Mahmoud Abbas to hold talks with Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Salleh to end the status of division among the Palestinians.

Hamas delegation will be headed by the movement's politburo Khaled Mashaal, who is based in Damascus, said the daily. The PLO and Hamas delegations are not expected to convene together.

"We are heading to Yemen to express to President Salleh our thanks for presenting the initiative and to convey a letter from President Abbas saying that he welcomes it," said Salleh Ra'fat, member of the PLO delegation.

President Sallah offered an initiative to end more than nine months of disputes between Hamas and Fatah movements. The initiative calls on Hamas to end its control of Gaza, and agree on holding early elections.

Following weeks of fierce fighting between the two rival movements, where dozens had been killed, Hamas militias ousted President Abbas security forces in mid June last year, and took control of the entire Gaza Strip.

"The delegation would inform President Sallah that the PLO and all its institutions welcome and accept the initiative to end the fighting between Hamas and Fatah movement," said Ra'fat.

However, while Hamas leaders hailing the Yemeni initiative as well, they haven't so far accepted it, saying they are only ready for holding unconditioned dialogue with Fatah movement.

Ayman Taha, Hamas spokesman in Gaza said the talks in Yemen "would focus on discussing the details of the initiative," adding "Hamas welcomes any unconditioned dialogue with Fatah movement."

Agencies

Güncelleme Tarihi: 17 Mart 2008, 16:26