Gaza City/Cairo  - Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum announced on Thursday that the Palestinian factions meeting in Cairo to flesh out the contours of a national unity government had concluded the first round of talks after nine days of intense negotiations.

Barhoum, in a statement released in the Egyptian capital, said that leaders of 13 Palestinian factions, including Fatah, which controls the West Bank, and Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, would leave Cairo for consultations with other faction leaders.

The talks, which began on March 10, have produced some progress. In a statement Wednesday night, Barhoum said that Palestinian groups had agreed to form an interim government of "national concord," the main role of which would be to prepare for Palestinian elections scheduled for January 25.

Fatah politician Azzam al-Ahmed confirmed that an agreement had been reached on a temporary government, but said that disagreements persisted over the new government's platform.

"The atmosphere of the dialogue was positive and serious," Barhoum said Thursday. "All of us were keen to succeed the dialogue and overcome all obstacles. Major and substantial issues were treated, but some other issues remained and needed more consultation."

Hamas officials previously said the disagreement has centered on whether the government would recognize the state of Israel, or whether the government would "respect" or "abide by" previous agreements of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, which has recognized Israel.

"Hamas is not obliged to recognize Israel, but the government should end the siege," al-Ahmed said. (dpa)