Palestinian unity talks suspended
Published:Friday | April 3, 2009 | 1:34 PM
The two biggest Palestinian factions say they have suspended reconciliation talks for three weeks.
The talks in Cairo between rivals Fatah and Hamas, were adjourned two weeks ago after they failed to agree on a unity government.
The discussions were being mediated by Egypt.
Fatah and Hamas, which control the West Bank and the Gaza Strip had hoped to reach an agreement by the end of March.
Policy, security and electoral arrangements are said to be the main areas of contention.
Fatah official Nabil Shaath says the talks would resume between April 21 and 26.
Fatah runs Palestinian affairs in the West Bank while Hamas, an Islamist organisation, seized Gaza nearly two years ago.
The US, European Union, and the United Nations say they will not deal with Hamas unless it rejects violence and recognises Israel.