Abbas calls for early vote; Factional fighting among Palestinians follows what foes call an "attempted coup.".(PAGE ONE)

0 Comments | Washington Times, The, December, 2006

Byline: Joshua Mitnick, THE WASHINGTON TIMES RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas yesterday called for early elections amid continuing street battles between his supporters and backers of the Hamas-led Cabinet, which threaten to plunge the Palestinian territories into civil war.

"I have decided to call for presidential and parliamentary elections .. . The crisis is getting worse," Mr. Abbas said in a biting speech that drew immediate condemnation from Hamas. Foreign Minister Mahmoud Al-Zahar called Mr. Abbas' announcement an "attempted coup." Hours later, tens of thousands of Palestinians supporting both sides marched, and gunmen from Hamas and Mr. Abbas' Fatah faction clashed in the Gaza Strip, exchanging fire. Eighteen...