Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh (C) attends the national dialogue meeting in Gaza May 25, 2006. (Xinhua/Reuters)

A national comprehensive dialogue aimed at easing tension among rival powers kicked off yesterday.

Leaders of all national and Islamic factions, ministers of the Hamas-led government and parliament members attended the dialogue held in both Gaza and Ramallah via a video conference system.

Prime Minister Ismail Haneya, also a senior Hamas official,told reporters before the dialogue that although the dialogue is not the first of its kind, "I believe it is the most important one."

"I believe that all parties are serious to ensure the success of the dialogue, because it comes amid a political and economic siege imposed on the Palestinians people," he said.

He said that the issue of the Palestine Liberation Organization,relations between the Hamas-led cabinet and presidency, ties among all factions as well as relations with the Arab world and the international community will be on the agenda of the dialogue.