Fatah and Hamas officials traded accusations on Monday over the delay in forming a unity government. Senior Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad told Palestine Radio that President Abbas was waiting for Hamas to form a new government, adding that he had not requested any delays. "We are still in touch with Hamas and yesterday we had a call from Musa Abu Marzouq, deputy of the Hamas political bureau, and he confirmed that there is a need to create a positive atmosphere," al-Ahmad said. Senior Hamas official Ismail Radwan responded that Abbas was responsible for forming the new government because it was agreed that he would be the head.