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Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (AP)
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| By Associated Press January 16, 2006 |
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Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said Sunday he has no intention of running again after his current term as president of the Palestinian Authority expires in 2008, also predicting sweeping changes from this month's parliamentary election.
Speaking to reporters in Ramallah, Abbas said the new Palestinian parliament to be elected on Jan. 25 will offer a "new type" of democracy, welcoming the participation of other factions in the race. His ruling party Fatah has controlled the Palestinian Authority since the first parliamentary election in 1996.
But 10 years of inefficient and corrupt Fatah rule, along with burgeoning internal violence, has given a boost to the militant Islamic Hamas, which is running in a parliamentary election for the first time.
Polls indicate a strong showing for Hamas, possibly even an overall victory. Hamas leaders have said they would want to take part in the new government, or form it themselves if they win.
Israel and the U.S. brand Hamas as a terrorist organization, pointing to dozens of Hamas suicide bombings over the past five years of violence that have killed hundreds of Israelis. Hamas ideology does not recognize the existence of a Jewish state in the Middle East.
Hamas participation in a Palestinian government would change its entire outlook, as well as the way Israel, the U.S. and others relate to it. The U.S. is warning it might cut funding if Hamas joins the government.
Abbas was elected a year ago to replace Yasser Arafat, who died Nov. 11. "The presidency is four years, and it is possible (legally) to go for another term," Abbas told reporters. "But from now, I say, this ... will not happen."
Abbas, 70, said the next election should be for a vice president as well as a president, but that would require parliamentary action.
On concerns that the parliamentary elections may be marred with violence, Abbas repeated that he ordered his security forces to prevent anyone with a gun from getting close to the polling stations.
"Security forces implemented a plan a month ago to protect the ballot boxes and the voting," he said, adding that he gave orders that force must be met with force.
Abbas said he knows the acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and is looking forward to working with him.
Olmert has been acting prime minister since Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was felled by a massive stroke on Jan. 4. On Sunday, Olmert's Cabinet approved Palestinian voting in Jerusalem for the election, clearing away an issue that threatened to cause postponement of the vote.
"I dealt with him and I know him well," Abbas said, adding that he met Olmert in official functions and privately before he stepped in for Sharon.
"I felt that we can deal with this man, and if it is not possible, we still have to deal with him," Abbas said.
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