Ramallah, West Bank, Feb 18, SPA -- Palestinian leader MahmoudAbbas on Saturday asked Hamas to form the next Palestiniangovernment. Abbas spoke at the opening session of the newHamas-dominated Palestinian parliament, after legislatorswere sworn in. The Associated Press quoted Abbas as saying that the Hamas victory in last month's parliament election and the defeat of his Fatah Party have led to anew reality. "Therefore, it (Hamas) will be asked to formthe new government," Abbas said. "On my part, you willfind all the cooperation and encouragement you need,because our national interest is our first and final goal,and is above any individual faction."--SPA 13 51 Local Time 10 51 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/331954