Abbas calls for renewed talks with Hamas

RAMALLAH, West Bank, June 5 (UPI) -- Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas urged talks resume with Hamas, a move observers say could portend a breakdown of talks with Israel.

Abbas, based in the West Bank, spoke of his desire to restore national unity in a speech Wednesday, The New York Times reported. If talks with Hamas succeed, Abbas said he would call for legislative and presidential elections.

Hamas took control of Gaza in June 2007 after a brief, violent battle that routed Fatah forces loyal to Abbas. Saeb Erekat, a senior aide to Abbas, said Fatah had not dropped its demand for Hamas to cede control of Gaza.

Ahmed Youssef, an adviser to the Hamas government in Gaza, said Abbas' overture could allow for dialogue "without placing any conditions for the first time."

Israel engaged in talks with Abbas after he broke away from Hamas, saying it refused to have direct contact with the terrorist organization. Israeli officials have threatened to end talks with Abbas if he rejoins forces with Hamas, the Times said.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad ask the European Union Wednesday to refuse Israel's request to enhance its ties with the union, the Times reported.