RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a thinly veiled threat Saturday to bring down Hamas' new government if it does not change its violent ways.
The tough talk came just two days before designated Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh is to present his proposed Cabinet to parliament for approval and three days before the Israelis are to hold elections.
Western powers have threatened to cut hundreds of millions of dollars of aid if Hamas does not recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept past peace agreements between Israel and the Palestinians.
Abbas, who would like to negotiate a final peace deal with Israel, expressed his dissatisfaction with Hamas' political program in a letter to Haniyeh. He suggested it was liable to isolate the Palestinian people and give Israel an excuse to unilaterally impose borders.
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Haniyeh said Hamas was not going to create a political crisis over Abbas' letter.
"All political differences between the presidency and the government will be resolved through dialogue," he told reporters in Gaza City.
He did not mention possible modifications to Hamas' program, which does not acknowledge a 1988 Palestinian declaration of independence that included a recognition of Israel.
Abbas urged Hamas to revise its policies, then wrapped up the letter by warning: "I will exercise my mandate and authority where and when needed to protect the higher interests of the Palestinian people."
The Palestinians' de facto constitution empowers the president to sack the prime minister and disband the government.
