Damascus - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas left Syria Tuesday after meeting leaders of Palestinian factions based there, but snubbing leaders of the rival Islamic militant group Hamas. Speaking to reporters before leaving Syria, Abbas called for a national dialogue among all Palestinian factions to be sponsored by the Arab League.
During his two-day visit, Abbas met leaders of Palestinian factions including the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
Faction leaders urged Abbas to suspend peace talks with Israel, saying they were pointless with Israel's continued settlement policy and offensives against the Palestinians.
But Abbas confirmed his commitment to the ongoing peace talks, saying all issues were under discussion.
Palestinian sources close to Abbas said any meeting with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal was not on the agenda as differences between them would have to be narrowed before such a meeting takes place.
