Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum announced today that the Palestinian factions meeting in Cairo to flesh out the contours of a national unity government had concluded the first round of talks after nine days of intense negotiations, according to dpa. Barhoum, in a statement released in the Egyptian capital, said that leaders of 13 Palestinian factions, including Fatah, which controls the West Bank, and Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, would leave Cairo for consultations with other faction leaders. The talks, which began on March 10, have produced some progress. In a statement Wednesday night, Barhoum said that Palestinian groups had agreed to form an interim government of "national concord," the main role of which would be to prepare for Palestinian elections. Fatah politician Azzam al-Ahmed confirmed that an agreement had been reached on a temporary government, but said that disagreements persisted over the new government's platform. "The atmosphere of the dialogue was positive and serious," Barhoum said Thursday. "All of us were keen to succeed the dialogue and overcome all obstacles. Major and substantial issues were treated, but some other issues remained and needed more consultation."
