By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on Hamas to open a new page within the Palestinian homeland.
Abbas made the call in an address marking the 43rd anniversary of Fatah establishment on Sunday.
He also presented an initiative of reconciliation with Hamas and called it to end its control of the Gaza strip and resume the dialogue with his Fatah movement to end the ongoing internal Palestinian crisis.
“I call those in Hamas movement who led the illegal military coup against the legitimate Palestinian leadership in Gaza to open a new page and a new era based on calm dialogue,” said Abbas.
He slammed Hamas and its security forces for forcibly preventing Fatah supporters in the Gaza Strip to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Fatah founding.
“I would say that any coup or military rebellion all over the world has ended whatever time it take, therefore I call on the leaders of the coup: let’s start with dialogue,” said Abbas.
“As a president, who was elected by the Palestinian people, I have several choices if Hamas movement doesn’t want to end its coup in Gaza. Why don’t we go for early presidential and legislative elections?” said Abbas.
Abbas said any resumption of dialogue with Hamas has to be preceded by Hamas regret over taking over Gaza, and should bring the situation back to what it was before mid-June.