Fresh Palestinian faction talks in Cairo

Palestinian factions will return to Cairo to renew talks on national reconciliation, according to Palestinian officials. Fatah and Hamas representatives will look to bury differences ahead of planned parliamentary and presidential elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Hamas has meanwhile confirmed a meeting between leading member Moussa Abu Marzouk and prominent Fatah official Azam el-Ahmed on Wednesday. Talks focused on reconciliation issues, Hamas spokesman Samy Zahry said. However Zahry denied reports Palestinian delegates were set to meet in Cairo. Fatah’s el-Ahmed has expressed hopes future talks will allow for updated electoral registration drives in both Gaza and the West Bank. Palestinian factions agreed to compromise in reconciliation talks held in Cairo on January 17.