Abbas expressed his sorrow that the cabinet ignored the principles Abbas stressed in his letter of commission.

We see this as a coup attempt to change the regime and they have to seriously reconsider their decisions.

The Palestinian Authority ... worked day and night so Bethlehem could be ready for this fabulous occasion. We worked under a very difficult situation -- a lack of infrastructure and continued (Jewish) settlement activity, and the suffocation of this city.

I say to you in the name of the president that we (Palestinian factions) have no way other than dialogue. Our cause is one.

The Palestinian Authority rejects Israeli accusations that it is responsible for the explosion.

The letter will say this decision is illegal ... The president will issue a presidential order to cancel the appointment.