Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat on Saturday held the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas) responsible for delaying the formation of a Palestinian national unity government, local radio Voice of Palestine reported.

"All of us know who didn't respect the signed deals and released conflicting statements," Erekat said, slamming Hamas leaders for putting obstacles on the way towards forming a coalition government that is intended to lift the embargo on the Palestinian people.

He also held Hamas leaders responsible for the siege and the deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

"The government should depend on clear political platform to be the government of people instead of the party's government," Erekat told the radio.

He urged Hamas to respect the previous agreement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

"Hamas as a movement was not asked to recognize Israel, but the government of national unity is another thing," said Erekat.

As for the scheduled meeting between Abbas and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on next Wednesday in Ramallah, the negotiator said that the two sides would "launch a meaningful peace process and implement the Road Map (peace plan)."

Ahead of the meeting, Rice would hold talks with foreign ministers of eight Arab countries in Cairo, he added.

But regarding a proposed meeting between Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Erekat clarified that no date had been set for that summit meeting as it "needs well preparation."

Source: Xinhua