Hamas confirms attendance at Cairo faction summit

Palestinian Minister endorses Abbas for future government role Hamas confirmed an invitation from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to attend interfactional meetings in Cairo on February 8. \"The meeting will follow the agenda previously set out by President Abbas and Khaled Meshaal in Cairo, ” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told reporters on Sunday.
Cairo hosted a meeting bringing together Meshaal and Abbas in January, representing Egypt’s continued efforts to end Palestinian divisions following a 2007 initiative.
Hanna Nasser, Chairman of the Central Election Commission, meanwhile met factional representatives on Sunday in Bira, briefing groups ahead of a historic voter registration drive in the Gaza Strip on February 11.
Nasser called on Palestinian blocs to engage fully in registration, encouraging citizens to take part.
Registration centres will be opened on February 11 in governorates across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Mahmoud Habash, Palestinian Religious Affairs Minister, meanwhile announced the beginning of consultations regarding the Palestinian national budget for 2013 on Sunday.
Habash premeditated a “breakthrough” in the financial crisis still gripping the Palestinian national economy, following pledges from Arab states promised a $100m safety net.
Consultations were also underway for establishing a new government, the Minister revealed, stressing that President Mahmoud Abbas must have the final word on appointing ministers.