Fatah and Hamas scheduled to meet in July

Palestinian sources confirmed on Saturday that the leaders of political parties Hamas and Fatah will meet in July in Cairo, Egypt. The two groups are set to discuss a presidential decree to form a coalition government in Palestine to pave the way for presidential and parliamentary elections. The sources added that Hamas has expressed its opposition to the election law of the National Council - which has resulted in further divisions between the two Palestinian blocs.    The issue is expected to dominate talks during the coming meeting. The conference was scheduled following a meeting between the two political partyies on Thursday in Cairo, Egypt. The groups agreed to take a number of steps aiming to reach reconciliation and to execute the issues agreed upon. Fatah Leader Amin Maqboul, confirmed that the consultations are aimed at creating a new government. He added that talks may be extended if an agreement is not reached. Member of Fatah's Central Committee, Azam el-Ahmed said that the new government is intended to be formed in the West Bank on June 2. He asserted that the new West Bank government will have no relation to the national unity government scheduled to be formed in accordance with Hamas - which has been delayed for three months. However, Hamas leader Salah al-Bardaweel criticised the development of a new government in the West Bank, saying that it will only further divide Palestine. He accused Ramallah's government of working to impede the efforts exerted to achieve reconciliation.