Source: Associated Press
Oct 09, 2006
PLO chief Mahmoud Abbas will reportedly present the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority government with an ultimatum this week: accept the terms of a unity government, including tacit recognition of Israel, or face early elections.
Abbas wants Hamas to join a unity coalition with his own Fatah party in order to end Western economic sanctions on the PA. But Washington has informed Abbas that without Hamas recognizing Israel and renouncing terrorism, even a unity government will not end the financial blockade.
In light of the dire situation, Abbas apparently sees no way forward but to call early elections.
However, it is a matter of debate whether or not Abbas has the authority to dissolve the government. Some are also not so certain his Fatah party would fare any better against Hamas now than it did in January's parliamentary election.