US throws weight beind Abbas

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) — President George W. Bush on Monday threw his backing behind Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas after Hamas seized the Gaza Strip, as Washington appeared poised to end its 15-month aid embargo.

"The president pledged help and support," White House spokesman Tony Snow said, adding Bush spoke for 15 minutes by telephone with Abbas early Monday after Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip last week.

Islamist fighters routed the mainstream Palestinian security services controlled by Abbas and loyal to his Fatah party after days of gunbattles in the Gaza Strip last week in which more than 110 people were killed.

On Sunday Abbas swore in an emergency government headed by the respected economist, Salam Fayyad, after sacking the Hamas-led unity...