Algeria: Next Arab summit chance to voice Arab support for Palestine

Algerian Prime Minister Aymen Benabderrahmane said on Saturday that the Arab summit to be held in Algiers in November will be an occasion to voice support for the Palestinian cause, as the central Arab cause, especially since the summit is to take place following the Algeria declaration of reconciliation.

While answering questions in parliament regarding the government's general policies, the Prime Minister asserted that preparations are underway for the summit, including efforts being made for political consultations with other Arab countries so as to create the necessary atmosphere for agreements, thereby ensuring the success of the summit.

Following the signing of the Algeria declaration on Wednesday, Palestinian factions met in Algiers Thursday to engage in reconciliatory talks and agree on a timeline to hold elections within a year, officials said. 

Among the participants were Azzam Al-Ahmed, the head of the Fatah delegation, Ismail Haniyeh, chief of the Hamas Resistance movement, and leaders or representatives of fourteen other Palestinian factions that have been working over the past two days on a reconciliation deal so that elections could be held.

Historically, Algeria has entertained good diplomatic and military relations with Palestine, and is one of the few Arab countries to reject the normalization of ties with "Israel".