MECCA, February 8, 2007 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas asked Prime Minister Ismael Haniyya to form the new government.

Today President Abbas and Khaled Mashaal, leader of Hamas Movement signed an accord of national reconciliation at a ceremony hosted by Saudi King Abdullah in al-Safa Palace overlooking the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine.

According to the agreement, the Palestinian blood is a redline that cannot be crossed. It also sets out the principles of the unity government and reactivating the PLO.

A.D (22.35P) (20.35GMT)