Special report: Concern mounts over Yasser Arafat's health

    GAZA, Nov. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) warned on Thursday that any preparations to form a new Palestinian leadership without the participation of Hamas would be illegal.

    Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told reporters that the movement asserted in all meetings with leadership and factions to strengthen the national unity and to forbid any fighting between them.

    "The dialogue is the only way to solve any Palestinian disagreements," he stressed.

    Abu Zuhri said that Hamas believes on the importance to form a leadership by participants of the political factions, "which would be a stage of transition till Palestinian elections take place".

    He stressed that "we welcome any meetings with Palestinian officials, what we care for is to reach a political system that achieves Palestinian people's benefits."

    Meanwhile, the spokesman noted that Hamas movement mourned Arafat immediately after the official announcement of his death andthey described him as "great leader and symbol". Enditem