Hamas lawmakers: Abbas term ends in January

Hamas will cease to recognize Mahmoud Abbas as Palestinian president after Jan. 8 and replace him with with one of its own leaders, according to a resolution approved by the Islamic movement's legislators Monday. The Hamas resolution demands that Abbas issue a decree by Wednesday to hold new presidential elections within three months, to coincide with what Hamas says is the end of his term. "I believe Hamas is coming to this point just to undermine the national dialogue before it starts in Cairo," said Abbas aide Nimer Hamad referring to the Egyptian-brokered talks, expected to start next month.