TOKYO - Hamas may join the Palestinian governing coalition in the aftermath of the upcoming Palestinian elections, Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday. Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, Abbas added the Gaza Strip pullout only marks the beginning of the diplomatic process between Israel and the Palestinians. During the press conference at Tokyo’s national journalism club, attended by Japanese and Arab reporters as well as a Ynet correspondent, Abbas was asked about his attitude toward Hamas. “Those groups held talks and reached the decision to participate in the elections,” he said. “Their leaders say they are willing to take part in the process and they may even be a part of the coalition.” Abbas to seek American financial aid Abbas also said he stressed the importance of the upcoming Gaza exit in his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. “We accept the withdrawal plan offered by Israel and believe that it’s important to undertake everything in accordance with the road map,” he said. “It’s important to end the occupation and resolve the refugee problem.” The Palestinian leader said the withdrawal from Gaza is not a first and last step, as Israelis think. “There’s still a lot of work to do. If we want genuine peace all problems must be resolved,” he said. Meanwhile, Abbas also noted he intends to seek American financial aid in his upcoming meeting with President George W. Bush, scheduled for the end of May. Japan offers Abbas USD 100 million On Monday, Koizumi pledged to offer a USD 100 million aid package to the Palestinian Authority after meeting with Abbas in Tokyo. Koizumi made the announcement at a joint press conference with Abbas. Before the press conference, it was unclear whether any details regarding Japanese financial aid would be provided. A senior Palestinian source in Tokyo told Ynet before the meeting between the two figures that Abbas himself did not know the exact aid amount Japan plans to offer. During the press conference, Koizumi said the parties are faced with what he called “a historic opportunity to advance the peace process. “Abu Mazen (Abbas) told me he is determined to introduce security and political reforms,” the Japanese leader said. Koizumi said Japan is an impartial party when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and intends to do all it can to move the peace process forward. “I was invited to Palestine, and I will do it in the first opportunity I have,” he said. ‘Hamas not a threat’ Abbas, meanwhile, thanked the Japanese for their support and said he is planning to set up a security establishment subject to one law and one authority. Regarding the West Bank security fence, the Palestinian leader said “the Israelis must suspend the building of the fence, as well as West Bank construction.” On another front, Abbas said Hamas has accepted the upcoming Palestinian elections and will field candidates in the poll. “This is necessary for implementation of pluralism,” he said. “Hamas is not a threat for us.” Koizumi, meanwhile, addressed reports regarding Sharon’s expected visit to Japan. The prime minister said he invited Sharon for an official visit and noted the Israeli leader plans to take up the invitation. Koizumi also said Abbas expressed his willingness to participate in a summit meeting with Sharon in Tokyo, in the event such meeting is arranged. “I will be glad if they would want to meet here, but at this time there’s no telling when it will happen,” the Japanese leader said. “Sharon will arrive in Tokyo soon and I will discuss the matter with him. We cannot stay indifferent in the face of the situation, we want to help.” However, despite Koizumi’s declarations regarding a Sharon visit, no official Japanese source was able to provide an official date for the planned visit.