Chief of the Fatah's parliamentary bloc Azzam al-Ahmad on Tuesday accused rival Hamas movement of interrupting efforts to form a unity government and blamed the prime minister for leaving for a regional tour.

"If Hamas wanted to form a (unity) government, why did Ismail Haneya, as prime minister, organize a regional tour that will last till the end of the year?" al-Ahmad asked during a debate with Information Minister Yousef Rezka of Hamas in a radio program. Haneya is now visiting a number of Arab and Islamic countries, including Syria and Iran, the first tour since he took office in March.

Haneya's tour was criticized as it came while Hamas and Fatah were talking on formation of a new unity government. The talks collapsed last week.

For his part, Rezka refuted al-Ahmad's statement and termed his blame and call for Haneya's resignation as "illogical."

"Haneya's resignation will take place when talks are completed and a new government is formed," Rezka said.

Source: Xinhua