Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Palestinian Elections Postponed Amid Challenge from Islamists
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=DC1803:3919ACA

Mahmoud Abbas made decision in attempt to ward off challenge by
Islamic militants





Mahmoud AbbasThe Palestinian Authority has postponed parliamentary
elections, in an attempt to ward off a challenge by Islamic militants.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas postponed parliamentary elections
scheduled for mid-July, fearing a strong showing by the Islamic
militant group, Hamas. The well armed paramilitary organization is
seeking the destruction of Israel, so a victory by the group could
torpedo Mr. Abbas's efforts to revive the peace process.

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat told VOA that Hamas is acting
like a parallel authority.

"And if you want to establish a society under the rule of law and
democracy and election, I do not think parallel authorities should be
tolerated," he said.







Saeb Erekat Hamas condemned the decision to postpone elections, saying
it is a violation of the four-month-old cease-fire agreement with the
Palestinian Authority. But the group stopped short of calling off the
truce.

Israel had warned Mr. Abbas that a Hamas victory could derail Prime
Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip this
summer. Under the so-called "disengagement" plan, Israel will
dismantle 21 Gaza settlements beginning in mid-August, and remove
8,000 Jewish residents from their homes.

 

"If the Hamas will win and the Hamas will be in power, it seems to me
illogical to move forward with the implementation of the disengagement
plan like nothing happened," Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom
said.



The Gaza pullout is expected to strengthen Mr. Abbas, because it will
show his people the benefits of the peace process. So, the Palestinian
leader prefers to hold elections after that.

 


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