Abbas Makes Election Law Changes

Palestinian Authority Presiden, Mahmoud Abbas, has announced changes in the election law which could boost his Fatah party against rivals Hamas. Under the new law, Palestinians will vote solely for party lists, while voting by district will be eliminated. Hamas, which took control of the Gaza Strip after fighting with Fatah in June, described the move as illegal. Mr. Abbas revealed the changes as he met US foreign policy chief Javier Solana in the West Bank city of Ramallah.