Gaza, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas criticized on Sunday the Hamas-led government, saying the Palestinians "were paying the price for the government's positions."

    "Unfortunately, every one refuses to deal with us unless the government change its policy," Nabil Abu Rudeineh told reporters in Gaza following a meeting between Abbas and Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haneya on Saturday night.

    The talks, which last about four hours, focused on the financial crisis that has been plaguing the Palestinian territories after Hamas took office on March 29, said Abu Rudeineh. "The utmost goal for President Abbas is to seek an exit for the crisis and ways of lessening our people's disaster," he added. Due to Hamas refusal to recognize Israel and renounce violence, Western donors have suspended direct financial aid to the Palestinian government, which plunged the Hamas cabinet into a deep crisis.

    About 160,000 government employees have not been paid salaries in March and April.

    "We still look for ways to bring the money in," Abu Rudeineh said.

    At Saturday's talks, Abbas and Haneya agreed to form a joint committee to tackle disputes between the two sides and they were expected to meet for more talks on Sunday in a bid to end the current crisis. Enditem