READY FOR ELECTIONS: HAMAS SAYS

Gaza, 16 Rajab 1436/5 May 2015 (MINA) – Palestinian resistance faction Hamas on Sunday said it is ready to compete in the parliamentary and presidential elections and accused President Mahmoud Abbas of hampering its conduct.

In a Sunday statement, the resistance faction declared its readiness to compete in Palestinian elections and accused Abbas of stalling its procedures, World Bulletin quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Hamas said that Abbas is not serious about conducting the elections, as he hasn’t issued a presidential decree setting a date for the polls.

The movement also condemned Abbas for demanding a written request from Hamas to hold elections, saying that the demand serves to “deepen the [Palestinian] divide” and avoid implementing the outcome of the reconciliation agreements.

On Saturday, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said that Abbas would hold presidential and legislative elections once he receives a written request in this regard from Hamas. (T/P011/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)