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Palestinians want Hamas off terror lists

RAMALLAH, West Bank, March 7 (UPI) -- The Palestinian Authority said Monday it wants Hamas removed from international terror lists so it can join the PA in a unity government.

After meeting in Cairo with Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa, PA negotiator Nabil Shaath said he broached the issue with several governments during a visit of European Union capitals, The Jerusalem Post reported.

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"We are seeking to have Hamas removed from the list of terror organizations," Shaath said. "We want EU countries to recognize a Palestinian unity government that would include Hamas and other factions."

Shaath said the Fatah faction was eager to end its dispute with Hamas, the Post said Sunday.

"The current circumstances require us to reorganize our Palestinian home," he added. "I have announced several times that we have accepted the Egyptian (reconciliation) initiative. We have agreed to a national unity government (with Hamas) that would implement the Egyptian document and prepare for elections."

Shaath was referring to an Egyptian reconciliation plan presented in 2009 to Hamas and Fatah.

Former PA Foreign Minister Shaath said a Fatah-Hamas reconciliation would embolden a "Palestinian struggle against Israeli occupation."

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