Hamas rejects Abbas's referendum decree

GAZA, June 10 (Reuters) The Hamas-led Palestinian government swiftly rejected President Mahmoud Abbas's decree today for a July 26 referendum on a statehood manifesto that implicitly recognises Israel..

''It was a declaration of a coup against the government,'' said Mushir al-Masri, a leading Hamas legislator, calling on Palestinians to boycott the vote.

''Whoever announced the referendum should shoulder the responsibility for the dangerous consequences that may result,'' Masri said.

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