GAZA, Nov. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) denied Monday that Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei has asked the group to stop armed attacks.

    Palestinian reports said Qurei met a Hamas delegation in Gaza Saturday, asking the group to stop military operation for the time being for the sake of the Palestinian security situation. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said armed activity wasn't discussed when Qurei met the group's leaders Ismail Haneya and Saed Seyam.

    Qurei also refused a call by Hamas and other Palestinian factions for a united leadership in the absence of the ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who remained in a critical condition in a military hospital outside Paris. Enditem