Palestinian official urges for dealing with new unity government

Information Minister Mustafa al-Barghouti told Xinhua that the governments of China, Russia and Switzerland had expressed readiness to deal with the new Palestinian coalition.

"We were told by envoys of these countries that they were not boycotting the Palestinian government and will deal with it," al- Barghouti added.

These governments should "translate their announcement into practical steps and deal effectively with the Palestinian unity government", he urged.

The new Palestinians national unity government, grouping Hamas and the relatively moderate Fatah as well as other minor factions, was sworn in on March 17.

But U.S., EU and Israel are still reluctant to deal with it, citing its platform falls short of recognizing Israel and renouncing violence.

Norway, a non-EU member, was the first European country that announced direct resumption of fund and contacts with Palestinian government.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Monday embarked on his European tour aimed at promoting the moderate platform of the new coalition. He will visit France, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland, Bulgaria, Italy and Greece.