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Ramallah: Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said he favours postponing the parliamentary election, blaming Israel for blocking the participation of Jerusalem's Palestinians. Election campaigns began on Tuesday, with factions staging launch rallies to contest for the 132 parliamentary seats during the January 25 election. "We all agree that Jerusalem should be included in the elections," Abbas said in a televised interview in Qatar on Monday. "If it is not included, all the factions agree there should be no elections." However, Israeli officials say they are looking for a compromise, adding that the Jerusalem issue is a techinical issue that could be resolved. Meanwhile, Abbas is touring Gulf states to raise money to make up for a serious budget shortfall.
The appeal to Arab nations followed a decision by Western donors to freeze funding until the Palestinians carry out promised reforms. "We are in desperate need of Arab aid," said Salam Fayyad, who recently stepped down as finance minister in order to run for parliament. Fayyad said international aid has helped cover about one-third of a $1 billion deficit in the 2005 budget, but Arab states have not fulfilled their pledges.
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