The Fatah movement's spokesman said on Sunday that reforming the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was the main goal of a coming national dialogue among all national and Islamic factions.

Ahmed Abdel Rahman told reporters in Ramallah that "I don't think that the issue of the PLO would remain complex as it was during an earlier dialogue when Hamas was forming its cabinet."

Meanwhile, the Islamic Jihad (Holy War) on Sunday called for reform of the PLO, a premise for the group to join the PLO.

Senior Islamic Jihad official in Gaza Sheikh Naffez Azzam told the al-Quds radio that "the Islamic Jihad was still committed to what was agreed upon concerning reforming and rebuilding the PLO in the Cairo talks."

Palestinian factions, including Hamas, have agreed on reforming the PLO during a round of talks in Cairo in March 2005.

"There must be clear frames and a clear and established political program to control our moves," Azzam added.

The Islamic Jihad, which did not run in the Palestinian legislative elections, is not represented in the PLO.

Azzam's statements came as preparations were underway for a new round of talks among Palestinian factions.

Azzam said that all factions must make concessions "to protect our rights and face up to big challenges."

The national dialogue is expected to kick off on Tuesday.

Source: Xinhua