RAMALLAH, March 16, 2011 (WAFA)- President Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday announced during the meeting of  the PLO's Central Council his readiness to go to the Gaza Strip in order to end internal division.

Abbas called on Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to prepare for the visit and to meet him at the Beit Hanoun crossing (Erez) after he makes the right coordination with PLO factions in Gaza.

He said that he will not go to Gaza to start a dialogue with Hamas but to agree on a new government formation to prepare for legislative and presidential elections.

He also held Hamas accountable for missing previous “historic opportunity” for reconciliation.

However, the president said that he is ready to postpone formation of a new government in the West Bank to give way for the success of his initiative.

A presidential spokesman clarified in a statement that the initiative of Abbas aims to agree on this new government, which includes neutral national leaders, in order to hold elections within six months under International and Arab supervision.

Abbas also said that there will be no state and no elections without national unity.

He stressed that negotiations with Israel will not resume without stopping settlement activities.

Hamas had already said that it welcomes Abbas visit and that it wants to discuss reconciliation.

R.S./M.A.