广播听力：Abbas Announces Election Law Changes

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced changes in the country's election law, under which Palestinians will vote solely for party lists.

Speaking at a joint news conference with EU foreign policy Chief Javier Solana, Abbas detailed the amendment.

''The new law is only aimed at amending the electoral process, instead of having both district and part list voting. It will be solely part list voting. Obviously, when the legislative Assembly convenes, it will be entitled to either endorse or reject this law.''

The amendment is seen as the latest step taken by Abbas to marginalize Hamas since the militant group seized control of the Gaza Strip in June.

Hamas was quick to denounce Abbas' decision, saying that the discarding of Hamas from the Palestinian formula means the discarding of about 61 percent of the Palestinian people who voted for them.

Abbas also said the current government, regardless of whether it includes Hamas or not, has no jurisdiction over the peace negotiations with Israel.