GAZA, Jan. 26 (Xinhuanet) -- A senior leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) said on Thursday that the group will begin consultations with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on forming a new cabinet after the group claimed victory in the legislative elections.

   "We will begin talks with Abu Mazen (Abbas' nickname), the Fatah movement and other officials and concerned parties on the establishment of a new government," said Ismael Haneya, senior Hamas leader who headed Hamas' list in Wednesday's parliamentary ballot.

   Haneya told Xinhua on telephone that Hamas is not intending to work alone in the political filed, adding that the group will hold deep and wide-ranging discussion with concerned parties on forming political partnership.

   "Hamas is not planning to neglect any one. We will hold contacts and consultations with all national and Islamic parties as well as with Fatah," said Haneya.

   In addition, Haneya revealed that Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Meshal, who is based in Damascus, had telephoned Abbas and that the two sides discussed the Palestinian political future and the election results.

   "Hamas will work with every party, in the region and in the international community, to protect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in a balanced and accurate way," Haneya stressed.

   Haneya also called upon the international community to respect the Palestinian people's choice.

   Earlier, Hamas announced that the group has won 77 seats in the 132-member parliament. Final election results are expected to be announced later in the day.

   Shortly after Hamas claiming victory, Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei and other cabinet members submitted resignations and asked Abbas to let Hamas form a new government. Abbas has accepted their resignations.

   According to the Palestinian law, the party or faction that holds the majority of parliament seats will be charged with the task of forming a new government.

   Palestinians headed to the polls on Wednesday to elect a new Legislative Council in the second ever parliamentary elections. Enditem