By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas will hold a meeting of his Fatah movement in Jordan on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of forming a unity government with the militant Hamas group, the top Palestinian delegate to the kingdom said Monday.
Abbas believes that forming a coalition will force Hamas, which is committed to Israel's destruction, to moderate its stance and help open the way for the renewal of peace talks.
Hamas has so far refused international calls to renounce violence and recognize Israel, despite a crippling economic boycott.
The two-day meetings of Fatah's Central Committee will also discuss preparations for holding a larger meeting of the mainstream Palestinian group, which lost many Cabinet and parliament seats to Hamas in elections held earlier this year, said Palestinian chief of mission Atta Khairy.
He said this week's meetings will be attended by all 18 members of Fatah's Central Committee, including the Palestinian leader.