Abbas in Cairo despite death threats

CAIRO, April 1 (UPI) -- Death threats did not stop Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from traveling to Cairo Sunday to meet with Field Marshall Hussein Tantawi, officials said.

Abbas' visit came amid reports that Ahmed Jibril, leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, plans to assassinate the Palestinian president, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Recent statements by Jibril denounced Abbas for holding peace negotiations with Israel, the newspaper said.

Fatah released a statement in Ramallah Saturday saying: "Ahmed Jibril is a merchant for Palestinian and Arab blood. He is desperately trying to appease outside parties in an attempt to destroy the political achievements of our people and their wise leadership," the Post said.

Abbas arrived in Cairo Sunday and will meet with Tantawi Monday to discuss reconciliation efforts between Fatah and Hamas, the stalled peace process with Israel and ways to improve conditions for Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip, al-Masry al-Youm said.

Abbas is accompanied by Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki; Ramzi Khouri, director general of the Palestinian National Fund; and advisor Majdi al-Khalidi, the Palestinian Ma'an news agency said

Abbas told the Arab League last week that efforts to reconcile Fatah and Hamas had stalled despite an agreement signed between the Palestinian factions last May, the Egyptian daily said.

Abbas also plans to inaugurate the new headquarters of the Palestinian embassy located on the outskirts of Cairo.