RAMALLAH, Dec. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian sources said Wednesday that Egyptian intelligence chief Omer Suleiman met Palestinian officials over prospects for the renewal of an inter-Palestinian dialogue in Cairo.

   The sources said the discussion, between Suleiman and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) chief Mahmoud Abbas, focused on whether to renew the dialogue before the Palestinian presidential elections due on Jan. 9, 2005, or after.

   The well-informed sources said the talks in Ramallah came as the Palestinians marked the 40th day of the death of Palestinians leader Yasser Arafat.

   Jibril Rajoub, Palestinian national security advisor, told reporters that the meeting was "to create a positive atmosphere for holding free and fair presidential elections."

   Suleiman's visit came one day after he met Israeli officials in Tel Aviv, where he discussed with Israeli officials on ways of helping the Palestinians hold the elections by reaching a ceasefire and ending the imposed sieges and closures.  Enditem