Palestinian militants in Cairo for truce talks

LEADERS of Palestinian Islamic militant factions are in Cairo for ceasefire talks with the Egyptians, days before Egypt is to host talks between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

Newly-elected Abbas has coaxed a de facto truce from factions waging a four-year-old uprising and Israel has responded to the lull by reducing military operations.

However, militants have a long list of demands before declaring any formal cease-fire.

While Israel has ruled out an agreement with the factions, it has said it would “meet calm with calm”.

Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, from the biggest Islamic militant faction, and Ramadan Shallah of the kindred Islamic Jihad were both meeting with the Egyptians, officials from the groups said.

There was no comment from officials in Egypt, playing a growing role as Middle East peace broker.

Egypt is due to host a summit next week between Mr Abbas and Mr Sharon, the highest-level meeting between the sides in four years of armed conflict.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad are sworn to destroying Israel rather than establishing a state alongside, as Mr Abbas wants, but they have suggested they could agree to a mutual cease-fire with Israel under conditions.

In a bold initiative earlier, Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak offered to host Mr Sharon, Mr Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik.

King Abdullah, whose country is a peace partner with Israel, is a fervent supporter of a negotiated Palestinian-Israeli settlement.

The Egyptian and Jordanian presence would signal Arab support for any agreements Mr Abbas might reach with Mr Sharon.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia said the Palestinians hope the summit will produce a mutual ceasefire, a halt to Israel’s targeted killings of militants and the release of Palestinian prisoners.