GAZA/RAMALLAH, Feb. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- The newly elected Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) convened its first session on Saturday.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh (L) speaks with Ahmed Bahar during the inaugural session of the Palestinian Parliament in Gaza City on Feb. 18, 2006. [AFP photo]

    Palestinian official sources said the parliament's central session was held at al-Nuqata'a, the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, and another session in Gaza City at 11:30 a.m. (0930 GMT).

    Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei, speaker of the Palestinian National Council (PNC) Salim Zaoon and the outgoing PLC speaker Rawhi Fattouh sat on the podium.

    Following an official swearing-in ceremony, the new PLC was expected to elect a speaker, two deputies and a secretary at the session.

    Abbas is scheduled to address the session in Ramallah. Ismael Haneya, a top Hamas leader, was seen arriving at Rashad Shawa hall, and dozens of MPs were seen hugging and kissing each other.

    Islamic Jihad members Khaled al-Batsh and Nafez Azzam also attended the session. Most members elected into the parliament showed up at the two halls.

    Hamas, which participated in the Palestinian parliamentary elections for the first time on Jan. 25, got a landslide victory by securing 74 seats out of the 132-seat PLC, and has thus been given a mandate to form a new government.

    Fatah led by Abbas got 45 seats. Enditem