Palestinian president to set Jan. election date

[oberliner]

CAIRO — The Palestinian president said Tuesday he will set Jan. 24 as the date for presidential and legislative elections, despite objections from his rivals in the Hamas militant group.

Mahmoud Abbas told journalists in Cairo he will set the date in a presidential decree Sunday.

Hamas, which wants the voting delayed, dismissed Abbas' announcement as an attempt to pressure the group into an agreement to end a bitter two-year division between the two sides that has interfered with peace talks with Israel and hampered reconstruction of war damage in Gaza.

The months of talks mediated by Egypt were aimed at clearing the way for a new election to end the power struggle. The talks were moving toward a compromise election date of June 28, and Abbas said Tuesday that he is still open to a delay if a deal is reached.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gi4thNXT1n5WgvXVi5a7jbnAJEnAD9BF2J780

[bemildred]

1. Well, he has to do something. His time is up. nt

[oberliner]

2. If the elections were tomorrow - who would you vote for?

Any favorite candidates or potential candidates?

[bemildred]

3. Well, probably Obama again. nt

[oberliner]

4. He would probably carry Ramallah

I think he'd out-poll Haniyeh and Abbas across the board.

[bemildred]

5. In a heartbeat, but will he run? nt