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This is an archive article published on March 18, 2007

Palestinian unity govt approved

The Palestinian parliament on Saturday overwhelmingly approved a new Hamas-Fatah coalition with a 83-3 vote. Lawmakers clapped and jumped to their feet when the result was announced.

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The Palestinian parliament on Saturday overwhelmingly approved a new Hamas-Fatah coalition with a 83-3 vote. Lawmakers clapped and jumped to their feet when the result was announced.

Parliament has 132 lawmakers, but 41 are being held by Israel.

Presenting the government’s programme to parliament, Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said the coalition wants to set up a Palestinian state in the lands Israel occupied in the 1967 Mideast War. He said the Palestinians affirm the right to resist occupation, but will also seek to expand a truce with Israel.

Israel reiterated on Saturday that it will not deal with the new government, while a senior UN official signalled flexibility.

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