Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas would arrive in Gaza later on Tuesday to hold final talks with Prime Minister designated Ismail Haneya on the formation of a national unity coalition, said a senior aide to Abbas.

Tayeb Abdel Rahim, chief of Abbas' office told reporters in Ramallah that Abbas would hold a meeting with Haneya in Gaza on Tuesday to make the final arrangements before the declaration of the new national unity government.

"Until now, Hamas hasn't yet presented its candidate for interior affairs in the new coalition," Abdel Rahim said, adding " until now there is a dilemma in choosing the name of the candidate for the interior affairs ministry."

Last week, Hamas presented to Haneya the names of its candidates who will join the national unity government, while Abbas' Fatah movement hasn't yet made its mind in choosing its candidates.

According to Mecca agreement, reached between the two rival movements in Feb. 8, Fatah and Hamas are sharing the new coalition. It was agreed that Hamas would get 9 portfolios and Fatah would get 6 portfolios.

The deal also says that Hamas has to choose three independent candidates, and Fatah has to choose two independent candidates to take essential portfolios in the new coalition.

Abbas had designated Haneya more than three weeks ago to form the new coalition. Haneya, who is also a Hamas leader, was chosen by his movement to chair the coalition.

Four more portfolios would be the share of other small left- wing groups represented in the Palestinian Legislative Council ( PLC). However, the Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front (PFLP) refrained from joining the new coalition.

Haneya had earlier announced that he expects the new coalition to be declared by Wednesday or Thursday, and that the new coalition would be presented before the PLC on Saturday for a confidence vote.

But Abdel Rahim said that Hamas should present its independent candidate for the interior affairs post and if Hamas doesn't make its mind, the presentation of the new coalition might be postponed.

Source: Xinhua