Egypt warns Hamas over weapons

[Behind the Aegis]

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Egyptian mediators have warned Hamas that parliamentary elections set for Jan. 25 could be postponed if the Islamic militants don't abide by a truce, including a promise to keep their weapons at home, an official close to the talks said Thursday.

Hamas, popular with voters and eager to claim a share of power, wants the election held on time.

Egypt delivered the warning after deadly weekend fighting between Hamas and Palestinian police, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to talk about the negotiations.

Egypt is increasingly influential in chaotic Gaza, with both the Palestinian Authority and armed groups seeking its backing and good will.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apmideast_story.asp?category=1107&slug=Israel%20Palestinians

[barb162]

1. There's an interesting set of commentaries from various

Mideast sources, all showing an anti-Hamas slant. Lots and lots of public, and I am sure, other kinds of pressure, being put on Hamas these days

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4308208.stm