Sunday, December 17, 2006

Hamas Will Not Participate in Elections

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Sunday December 17, 2006 12:01 PM

By IBRAHIM BARZAK

Associated Press Writer

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - Hamas will not participate in early elections, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas said Sunday, in a harsh verbal attack on President Mahmoud Abbas.

Haniyeh denounced Abbas' speech, in which he called for a new vote, ``inflammatory.''

``We confirm that the Palestinian government refuses the invitation to early elections because it is unconstitutional and could cause tension among Palestinians,'' Haniyeh said in his first public comments on the matter.

Haniyeh sharply attacked Abbas, saying his Saturday speech calling for early presidential and parliamentary elections was ``inflammatory'' and ``insulting to the sacrifices and the pain of Palestinians everywhere.''

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