GAZA, February 15, 2007 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas had Thursday several phone calls with Arab leaders and officials to brief them about the situation in the Palestinian territory.

The President had conferred, over phone calls, with the King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bBib Abdulaziz, the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad the Libyan Leader Mo'ammar Gazzafi, Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faissal, and the Egyptian Director of General Intelligence, Minister Omar Suleiman.

During the phone calls, President Abbas briefed the leaders and officials about his designation to Mr. Ismael Haniyya to form a unity government in accordance with the Mecca Agreement.

President Abbas designated Prime Minister Ismail Haniyya to form a new unity government after accepting his resignation on Thursday.

A.D (23:43 P) (21:43 GMT)