MAKKAH, Feb 8: Rival Palestinian factions signed a comprehensive deal on Thursday to form a national unity government after marathon talks in Makkah aimed at ending lethal infighting and a crippling international boycott.

The historic document was signed by Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas who heads the Fatah party and the exiled leader of the ruling Hamas movement Khaled Meshaal, with Saudi host King Abdallah also attending.

“We have achieved results that will serve our people,” Abbas said at the ceremony.

The accord has been named “The Makkah Declaration” after the Saudi holy city where the factions have been holding crunch talks over the last two days.

Abbas swiftly asked Prime Minister Ismail Haniya to form a new government following the accord, which included a plan for division of ministerial posts.

Abbas called on the future government “to respect international law and agreements signed by the Palestine Liberation Organization,” Abbas adviser Nabil Amr said at the signing ceremony.

Hamas has in the past consistently refused to abide by deals signed by the PLO with Israel.

The ruling Hamas party and Abbas' Fatah party also agreed on a political programme, but details were not immediately available. Crucial for the Palestinians is whether it will be enough to convince Western donors and Israel to end a crippling blockade.

As part of the deal, a major step towards averting civil war, the Hamas premier will keep his job and the crucial post of interior minister will go to an independent.—AFP