Ramallah, May 28 (RHC)-- Leaders of the Fatah movement and the Islamist Hamas traveled to Egypt on Monday to resume discussions on a reconciliation agreement signed in 2011.  They are also making preparations for Palestinian elections in Gaza and the West Bank.

On Monday, Hamas prime minister in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh met Hanna Nasir, chairman of the Palestinian Central Election Commission (CEC) appointed by Mahmoud Abbas, to choose members of a transition government to oversee the election. 

Palestinian officials involved in the talks said that Abbas, who serves as president of the Palestine National Authority, and Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal will meet next week to finalize the formation of the government. 

At a news conference in Cairo, officials said that the Central Election Commission can start registering voters in Gaza "immediately and without any delays."  Hamas's agreement to let the CEC work in Gaza was a condition set by Abbas for starting consultations on forming a unity government.  Nasir said voter registration would take six weeks and Abbas would then decide on a date for presidential and parliamentary elections.

Abbas will lead the new transitional government until elections are held and reconciliation is firmly achieved.

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