Palestinian leader sets a date for legislative polls

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas yesterday set Jan. 25 as the date for legislative elections, a move that could boost his international credibility and encourage his biggest political rival, the militant Hamas group, to hold its fire during Israel's ongoing Gaza pullout.

However, just as he spoke, dozens of masked Hamas gunmen briefly took over Gaza City's central square, keeping police cruisers at bay as they announced they would not halt attacks despite Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. Their appearance in the park was a direct challenge to Abbas, who has appealed to militants not to flaunt their weapons in public. It also underscored the reluctance of police to confront gunmen.

Hamas' political leaders welcomed the setting of the election date. Hassan Yousef, a Hamas leader in the West Bank, said his group was ready for its first national contest. In recent months, Hamas has made a strong showing in several rounds of municipal elections, and was also expected to do well in the parliament vote.

"We have prepared our list of candidates, and we have even reserved a seat for the Christian minorities," Yousef said.

The elections were initially to have been held last month, but were delayed because of Israel's Gaza pullout. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said last week that the polls would be held on Jan. 21, based on a decision by the PLO Executive Committee. However, officials went back to the calendar and changed the date so it would not interfere with a major Muslim holiday and the pilgrimage to Mecca during that period, Erekat said.

Abbas announced the date in a speech to high school students in Gaza City yesterday.

In setting a date, he could strengthen his international image as a reformer and give a new incentive to Hamas to suspend attacks during Israel's Gaza pullout. Israel has warned it would launch a major ground offensive if Israeli soldiers and settlers were to come under fire during the withdrawal.

Hamas has been torn over how it should act during the withdrawal. Firing on Israeli soldiers and settlers during the withdrawal would boost Hamas claims that it has driven Israel out by force.

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