Abbas urges vote to heal internal rift

RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called yesterday for a referendum to resolve a power struggle with Hamas, highlighting bitter divisions on a day of mourning for Yasser Arafat.

Tens of thousands gathered at Arafat's gravesite in the West Bank city of Ramallah for the fourth anniversary of the former Palestinian leader's death. Hamas, which seized Gaza last year after routing Abbas's forces, barred Arafat memorials there.

Abbas, who controls the West Bank, and Hamas have traded blame since reconciliation efforts broke down last week.

A key dispute is over when to hold an election. Abbas has proposed holding a simultaneous presidential and parliamentary poll in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, arguing the law gives him the right to remain in office until 2010.

Hamas demands presidential elections by Jan. 9 when it says Abbas' four-year term ends, but objects to an early parliamentary poll. Hamas won control of parliament in 2006 and argues its lawmakers should serve a full four years until 2010.

Abbas suggested putting the decision about when to hold elections to the general public.

REUTERS