Hamas MPs delay motion against Abbas referendum

GAZA, June 12 (Reuters) Lawmakers from the ruling Hamas militant group today said they had delayed until next week lodging a motion with parliament against a referendum called by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on a statehood proposal.

Hamas lawmakers said they wanted to allow more time for dialogue with Abbas to resolve a crisis over a manifesto that implicitly recognises Israel. They said the motion would be filed in parliament on June 20.

Members of Abbas's Fatah party have said the July 26 referendum would go ahead regardless of what parliament decides.

REUTERS SY BD2029