Palestinian unity deal under way

Source: BBC, 15-2-2007
Palestinian PM Ismail Haniya has resigned his post and has been asked by President Mahmoud Abbas to form a new national unity government.
The move came after the pair ironed out last-minute problems from the power-sharing deal sealed last week.
A ban on Western financial aid has crippled the Palestinian Authority since Hamas, which has refused to recognise Israel, won elections in January last year.
Last-minute problems
Mr. Haniya tendered his resignation at the meeting with Mr. Abbas in Gaza.
"Brother Ismail Haniya presented me with his government`s resignation and I charged him with forming his new cabinet," Mr. Abbas said.
He said he hoped the new administration would "inaugurate a new Palestinian era in which people live in peace and security".
Mr Haniya will have five weeks to get the new cabinet accepted by the Hamas-dominated parliament.
Mr Abbas had called off a national address on Thursday because of last-minute problems over the new power-sharing deal.
"The Americans have informed us that they will be boycotting the new government headed by Hamas"
On Thursday it was unclear whether the US would back the new government.
Aides to Mr Abbas said Washington would continue its boycott unless the government met international demands over "Israel".
US state department spokesman Sean McCormack said Washington would not make a judgement until the government was formed.