Special report: Internal situation in Palestine

    JERUSALEM, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday called on the international community to continue boycotting the newly-born Palestinian national unity government,local media reported.

    Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Olmert said, "We expect that the international community will not be misled by the creation of the coalition government and persist with its position of isolating the government that rejects the principles set out by the Quartet."

    In addition, he reiterated Israel's refusal to deal with the Palestinian power-sharing government, the report said.  

    "We will not be able to pursue contacts with the government or its members," Olmert said, labelling its policy platform "very problematic."

    During the meeting, the cabinet approved Olmert's call to boycott the new Palestinian government by a vote 19-2, according to local media.

    The Israeli prime minister accused the new Palestinian unity government of encumbering Israel's ability to deliberate with Palestinian National Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, because it includes problematic elements that Israel cannot accept.  

    The international community imposed a crippling financial embargo on the Palestinian over the Hamas government's refusal to recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept past agreements.  

    Meanwhile, a senior official from Olmert's office told Xinhua on Sunday that Israeli government would continue to insist its firm attitude towards the new Palestinian government, as long as it refuses to accept the three conditions called upon by the Quartet of Middle East mediators.

    However, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will maintain his contacts with Abbas.

    "Israeli government will not deal with any government minister,even from the Fatah faction, except Chairman Abu Mazen (Abbas),"the official said on condition of anonymity.

    Abbas on Saturday swore in the new Hamas-Fatah coalition government, headed by Ismail Haneya of Hamas, hours after the Palestinian parliament overwhelmingly approved the government.  

    The new government comprises ministers from Hamas and Fatah aswell as from other parties.

    Abbas and Haneya delivered speeches heralding different agendas during the inauguration of the new government.

    While Abbas called on Israel to engage in serious peace talks with the new Palestinian government, Haneya said his government would support armed resistance to Israel and the right of return for thousands of Palestinian refugees. 

Related:

Abbas swears in unity government

    GAZA/RAMALLAH, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swore in a new unity government Saturday evening, with 25 members, including Prime Minister Ismail Haneya of Hamas, taking oath in Gaza City and Ramallah.