Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh (C in dark suit) looks as Hamas deputy politburo chief Moussa Abu Marzouk (L) and Azzam al-Ahmad, a Fatah leader, shake hands after signing a reconciliation deal between their rival factions at the Presidential Palace in Sanaa March 23, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

Since Wednesday, delegations from rival Abbas' Fatah and Hamas have been engaged in dialogue in Yemen in an attempt to resolve an internal Palestinian conflict that reached its peak in June 2007, when Hamas defeat Fatah and took over Gaza.

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has presented a seven-point initiative to leaders of Hamas and Fatah, which suggested a reversion to the pre-June 2007 situation and holding early presidential and legislative elections.

"We highly appreciate President of Yemen Ali Abdullah Saleh and his efforts to bridge the gaps and end the status of division among the Palestinians. We will do all our best to make these efforts successful," said Taha.

(Xinhua News Agency March 24, 2008)