ISTANBUL: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Wednesday called for a greater role for moderate Palestinian factions led by President Mahmoud Abbas following talks with Turkish officials who are keen on engaging Hamas. "I have stressed the importance for the PLO to maintain its historic position, Mubarak told reporters through an interpreter, following a meeting with Turkish President Abdullah Gul. "This organization is the sole, legal representative of the Palestinian people. The PLO is the internationally recognized representative of the Palestinians and is dominated by Abbas' Fatah faction. Turkey supports Abbas' role in the process but has also been advocating a policy of engaging Hamas, which has been shunned by Israel, the West and some Arab nations. Mubarak was in Istanbul for talks on efforts to reach a permanent truce between Hamas and Israel to replace a fragile ceasefire that halted the Jewish state's three-week offensive against Gaza. Gul said Turkey was ready to contribute to Egypt's efforts toward a lasting truce and Palestinian reconciliation. "I express gratitude for Turkey's support to Egypt's efforts in bringing about a ceasefire in the region, Mubarak told reporters. Egypt, France and Turkey had pushed Israel to end its devastating offensive in Gaza last month. It had been launched to halt years of rocket fire on southern Israeli communities. Gaza's Hamas rulers announced their own ceasefire the same day, but scattered attacks are straining the truce. Earlier, more than 100 demonstrators, carrying posters of Hamas leaders, protested the arrival of Mubarak in downtown Istanbul, accusing him of siding with Israel. -AP
