Palestinian political rift grows

He called the move an attempt to undermine the Hamas-led government's control over security matters.

The government would not accept the creation of parallel structures that would diminish its authority, he added.

Mr Abbas, whose Fatah party is a political rival of Hamas, also named an ally as head of internal security.

In his new role, Rashid Abu Shbak, who is currently head of the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Preventative Security Service, will have authority over the police and emergency services.

Correspondents say that although Mr Shbak will nominally report to the Hamas Interior Minister, Said al-Siyam, ultimate authority rests with the president.

Power struggle

Mr Abbas issued a presidential decree on Wednesday, taking over control of the Palestinian border points and crossings.

But on Thursday, Mr Haniya said he rejected any attempts to take power away from Hamas.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4885654.stm