RAMALLAH, July 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Well-informed Palestinian sources revealed on Monday that Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei is intending to hold contacts and talks next week to form a new national unity Palestinian cabinet.

    The sources, who spoke in condition of anonymity told reporters that Qurei would hold contacts with Palestinian parties and factions leaders on forming a new cabinet to face the challenges of the Israeli pullout.

    Israel is intending to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank on Aug. 17, while intending to coordinate the implementation of the plan with the Palestinians.

    Some of the factions, mainly Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas)has not given yet a final answer on whether it would accept joining the new Palestinian national unity cabinet or it would wait until after holding the legislative elections.

    The sources said that Qurei wants to bring all factions, including Hamas to the government to work closely before, during and after the intended Israeli withdrawal to be able to face the challenges of the withdrawal.

    Israel would withdraw on Aug. 17 and evacuate its settlements from all Gaza Strip and northern West Bank, while the legislative election might be held on Jan. 20, 2006.

    Qurei had earlier said in a written statement sent to reporters that the calls to form a national unity government is really serious, adding that "we will start dialogues with our brothers inall forces and factions as of next week."

    He said there are contacts, which had been already begun, with some of the factions' representatives, hoping that the climate would be positive.

    "Of course this needs dialogue on the components and tasks of such a government," he added. Enditem