Turkey seeks to mediate between Palestinian factions

Turkey is seeking to mediate between feuding Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas in the hopes of securing a unity government ahead of possible Palestinian statehood in September. "It is positive that both sides want national reconciliation secured as soon as possible," said Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. "President Abdullah Gul had a phone conversation with Palestinian Administration President Mahmoud Abbas last week, and also sent the Turkish ambassador in Jerusalem to talk with Abbas on Saturday about the issue of a meeting," a senior diplomat told reporters yesterday on the condition of anonymity. A similar proposal was dispatched to Hamas political bureau leader Khaled Meshaal by Davutoglu in Syria late Wednesday. Meshaal didn't reject outright the possibility of making contact with Fatah, a Turkish diplomat said yesterday. "It is positive that both sides want to secure national reconciliation as soon as possible," Davutoglu told reporters. "Mr. Abbas is giving priority to setting up the government, while Mr. Meshaal places importance on implementing all elements of reconciliation. We have the impression that common ground could be found."