GAZA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) rejected Saturday a decision made by ruling Fatah movement to hold the Palestinian legislative election on Jan. 20, 2006.

    "Hamas rejects this unilateral individual decision by any Palestinian party, especially after the Palestinian (National) Authority postponed the election last month until a further notice," said Hamas spokesman in Gaza Sami Abu Zuhri.

    He argued that there should be a national decision shared by all the Islamic and national factions over the date of the election.

    "The movement insists on holding the election as early as possible and doesn't see any justifications to hold it on this far date," said Abu Zuhri.

    Fatah central committee started a meeting in the Jordanian capital of Amman on Thursday, which was attended by Fatah chief Farouk Al Kadoumy and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

    The meeting recommended holding the parliamentary election on Jan. 20, 2006.

    Abbas issued a presidential decree in June to postpone the election which was originally due on July 17. He said another decree would be issued to declare a new date for the election.

    Hamas, a main militant group in the Palestinian territories against the Israeli occupation, has showed a strong performance during Palestinian municipal elections and is expected to challenge the ruling Fatah movement in the legislative election. Enditem