Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday asked Hamas to form the next Palestinian government. Abbas spoke at the opening session of the new Hamas-dominated Palestinian parliament, after legislators were sworn in. The Associated Press quoted Abbas as saying that the Hamas victory in last month's parliament election and the defeat of his Fatah Party have led to a new reality. "Therefore, it (Hamas) will be asked to form the new government," Abbas said. "On my part, you will find all the cooperation and encouragement you need, because our national interest is our first and final goal, and is above any individual faction."
