Abbas146; referendum call rejected

The Hamas-led Palestinian government on Sunday effectively rejected a deadline to accept a proposal that implicitly recognises Israel, saying President Mahmoud Abbas8217; plan for a referendum on the matter is illegal.

The statement by Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh was a sign that Hamas will not give in to Abbas8217; ultimatum to accept the plan, which calls for a compromise with Israel. Abbas has given Hamas until Tuesday to decide or face a national referendum that he is expected to win. 8220;The advice which we got from experts in international law say that referendums are not permitted on the Palestinian land,8221; said Haniyeh.

IBRAHIM BARZAK