ABBAS BEGINS MOVE AGAINST HAMAS

(THE UK GUARDIAN & David Crouch):

Mahmoud Abbas is to demand today that militant leaders stop their attacks on Israelis, after the Palestinian president's Fatah movement declared a state of emergency for Palestinian security forces. Mr Abbas is to confront militant leaders in the Gaza Strip in a bid to curb the violence. He will tell militant leaders that "there is only one Palestinian Authority and one leadership, and [he] will not accept any measures that can subject our national project to danger," cabinet secretary Hassan Abu Libdeh said.Late last night, Fatah's central committee announced the state of emergency and accused the militant group Hamas of violating the fragile truce agreed on Tuesday between Mr Abbas and Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon.

The crackdown on militancy follows a sustained rocket and mortar barrage on Jewish settlements yesterday that threatened to unravel the ceasefire just days after it was announced. "We are still committed to the language of dialogue, but at the same time, we warn against continuation of these irresponsible actions," Fatah's leadership said in a statement. "The Palestinian Authority will not tolerate any actions that will sabotage the agreement reached with Israelis on a mutual ceasefire," Mr Abu Libdeh said.

If these signals are followed by actions, then a settlement and peace will be possible. STAY TUNED...