Hamas lawmakers: Abbas term ends in January

By IBRAHIM BARZAK Associated Press Writer GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - Hamas will cease to recognize Mahmoud Abbas as Palestinian president after Jan. 8 and replace him with one of its own leaders, according to a resolution approved by the Islamic movement's legislators Monday. Abbas aides said the resolution appeared aimed at stepping up pressure on the president, a political moderate, ahead of a new attempt by Egypt to mediate a power-sharing deal between the rival camps and is certain to deepen the split between Hamas and Abbas' Fatah movement. "I believe Hamas is coming to this point just to undermine the national dialogue before it starts in Cairo," said Abbas aide Nimer Hamad referring to the Egyptian-brokered talks expected to begin next month. If Hamas does withdraw recognition from Abbas, it would sever another link... [read full story]