Palestinian factions sign reconciliation agreement in Algeria

By Qais Abu Samra

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - Palestinian factions on Thursday signed a reconciliation agreement in Algeria.

Wassel Abu Yusuf, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization told Anadolu Agency, that the Palestinian factions “have signed the Algerian-sponsored reconciliation agreement today.”

Abu Yusuf indicated that a conference is held in the capital Algiers to formally announce the agreement.

He noted that “amendments have been made to the Algerian draft, most notably the removal of the item on the Unity Government”.

The comprehensive Palestinian reconciliation dialogue was launched in Algeria on Tuesday, with 14 factions participating.

Since the summer of 2007, the Palestinian arena has been politically and geographically divided, with Hamas in control of the Gaza Strip, while the West Bank is administered by a government formed by President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah.

* Salma Ali contributed to this report