Gaza - Independent Palestinian representatives on Saturday called on Hamas to take a speedy decision on unity proposals put forward at this week's reconciliation talks in Cairo.

The Egypt-mediated talks were aimed at ending the schism between Islamic Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and the secular Fatah movement, which rules the West Bank.

"I hope an agreement is reached soon but it seems our brothers in Hamas' delegation needs more consultations," said Munib al-Massri, a veteran businessman and former independent politician.

The first round of the Cairo talks were adjourned this week without a firm deal, but with an agreement in principle to forming a unity government and holding legislative and presidential elections by January 2010.

"Hamas' leaders should made the decision through their highest level of leadership," al-Massri added.

Ali Baraka, a Hamas official based in Damascus, said the adjourned Cairo talks "have reached an advanced phase." He said some of the main issues remained outstanding and that "forced the negotiators to go back to discuss them with their leaders."

"The delegations will return to Cairo to resume the dialogue," Baraka added.

Baraka said the main obstacle to a unity government still remained Fatah's demand that the Islamist group reverse its position of not recognising Israel, and renounce violence. Baraka insisted his movement could not be part of a unity government that recognises the Jewish state. (dpa)