Reply #1: Hamas-Dominated Parliament Sworn In [View All]

[Judi Lynn]

Hamas-Dominated Parliament Sworn In
By STEVEN GUTKIN, Associated Press Writer

Saturday, February 18, 2006

(02-18) 18:16 PST RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) --

A new parliament dominated by Hamas was sworn in Saturday, with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas asking the Islamic militant group to form the next government but imploring them to honor existing peace deals and take the path of negotiations.

Hamas leaders rejected Abbas' calls, but signaled a willingness to compromise.

In the battle for Palestinians' political future, time is short and stakes are high: Israel is on the verge of imposing sanctions that would seal off the Gaza Strip.

Hooked up via video conferencing because Israel wouldn't let them travel between the West Bank and Gaza, the new Palestinian lawmakers in the two territories took their oath of office collectively, reciting a prayer with upturned palms.
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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2006/02/18/international/i181641S44.DTL