Hamas chiefs discuss government

Mahmoud Zahhar insisted Hamas would not renounce violence

Leaders of the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, have been meeting in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, to discuss the group's strategy.

Hamas has been asked to form a new government after its victory in last month's parliamentary elections.

One Hamas leader said it was waiting for a response from the Fatah party on proposals to join a coalition.

But Mahmoud Zahhar said his group would approach other parties or govern alone if Fatah does not participate.

Speaking from Cairo to the Dubai-based Arabic satellite TV channel, al-Arabiya, Mr Zahhar said the new Palestinian government would include technocrats, politicians and independents.

What is needed now is to formulate a plan to rebuild the economy and security situation which have been destroyed Mahmoud Zahhar

"We want to broaden the circle to include, in addition to the factions represented in the new Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), other independent forces from outside the PLC to take part in the building process," he added.

Consultations

The Hamas leader said the new prime minister would be chosen by Hamas' leadership in the Palestinian Territories, but he would not be drawn on when the decision would be made.

"What is needed now is to formulate a plan to rebuild the economy and security situation which have been destroyed," he said.

But Mr Zahhar insisted that the talks in Cairo had not resulted in Hamas bowing to international pressure to renounce violence and recognise Israel.

"Hamas believes that resistance is an intrinsic part of the coming period, particularly since the Israeli enemy, as you can see and hear, continues its aggressions," he said.

The EU, US, Russia and the UN have called Hamas to make such concessions or face the prospect of cuts in aid.