Palestinians announce new unity government

MECCA, Saudi Arabia, Feb 8 (Reuters) Rival Palestinian factions agreed to form a unity government today and end fighting and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on the new government to respect previous agreements.

The signed deal read out by Fatah official Nabil Amr made no mention of the recognition of Israel, but an address by Abbas, read out by Amr, said the new government should abide by ''international law'' and Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) agreements.

REUTERS DKS BST0116