Hamas PM says works on, urges end to killing

GAZA, June 15 (Reuters) Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader dismissed as prime minister by the Palestinian president, said today his government would continue to function and he urged an end to reprisal killings by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

''The existing government will carry out its tasks in the best possible way,'' Haniyeh said in a broadcast in the early hours after Hamas forces routed presidential supporters in Gaza.

''I call on my brothers in Hamas to declare a general amnesty and to guarantee people's lives,'' he added.

He blamed the past week's violence on security chiefs from President Mahmoud Abbas's secular Fatah faction in Gaza and accused them of having persecuted Hamas Islamists: ''They have committed crimes ... They have killed people just because they were bearded and because of their affiliations.

''They have abducted men and executed them before the eyes of their families,'' Haniyeh said.

''The situation reached an intolerable level and they have pushed people into reactions that have brought things to where they are now.'' He also left a door open to talks, although Hamas officials have said previously this week that a condition for discussions with Fatah is that Hamas should have a leading say in security decisions for the Palestinians.

''I call for a national and comprehensive dialogue to begin immediately and on the basis of national rights,'' Haniyeh said.

Gaza has become increasingly anarchic over the past few months, with clan rivalries complicating the tensions between the two main political factions. One element of that has been the kidnapping of foreigners, which has forced many aid and other organisations to limit their work in Gaza.

Haniyeh called again for the released of kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnston, who was abducted three months ago and is believed held by a group influenced by al Qaeda. The Hamas leader said he aimed to protect all foreign institutions.

Reuters DKS VP0550