RAMALLAH, May 21, 2011 (WAFA) – Eight PLO factions Saturday said they will not take part in naming a prime minister and cabinet ministers for the new national unity government.

A statement issued by the eight, which include, among others, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Democratic Front and the People’s Party, said they took this position to protest the fact that Fatah and Hamas held bilateral talks and decided on candidates without consulting the other factions.

Delegations from Fatah and Hamas held a round of talks in Cairo on Monday and seemed to have agreed on the formation of the new government. However, they said they will announce their decision when they return to the occupied territories and after consulting with the other factions.

“The nationalist forces noticed with great dismay that the brothers in Fatah and Hamas continued to monopolize the decision making process and alone decided alone a mechanism and steps for implementing  (the reconciliation agreement), including a decision on the government and its head without consulting the remaining national forces,” said the statement.

It warned that “this does not bring good news regarding opening a new page in full national partnership that would lead to national unity based on strong foundations.”

It said because of this position, the eight factions have decided not to take part in naming people for the post of prime minister and cabinet ministers, “yet expressing hope that this government will be formed soon to carry out its responsibilities.”

M.A.