GAZA, February 15, 2007 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday designated Prime Minister Ismail Haniyya to form a new unity government after accepting his resignation.

Received by President Abass in Gaza Presidential HQ, Haniyya presented the resignation of the current cabinet which President Abbas accepted.

President Abbas said that the forming of the first unity government came in accordance with the Mecca Agreement reached by Fatah and Hamas movements in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, last week.

President Abbas said the blessed Mecca Agreement will open new horizon for new era in Palestine in which people can live in security, peace and a true national unity.

For his part, PM Haniya hailed the role of President Abbas in making the Mecca deal, saying that the "today we present to the Palestinian people the unity government which comes in accordance with the Mecca Agreement."

A.D (21:48 P) (19:48 GMT)