Palestinian leader may delay elections

PALESTINIAN leader Mahmoud Abbas said yesterday he will delay parliamentary elections if Israel bars Jerusalem Arabs from voting, the first time he has indicated he would postpone the January 25 vote.

Senior members of the ruling Fatah party yesterday urged Mr Abbas to delay the elections, reflecting growing fears the Islamic group Hamas will deal the movement a stinging blow in the polls.

Mr Abbas said: "We all agree that Jerusalem should be included in the elections. If it is not included, all the factions agree there should be no elections."