Both of the radical groups on Tuesday said they would boycott the dialogue if Egypt does not invite the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command and another small Palestinian left-wing faction based in Syria.

Hamas and Jihad changed their minds under Egypt's pressure, according to a Palestinian source who preferred not to be identified. Abdel Aziz Ranteesi, a senior Hamas leader in Gaza, confirmed that their representatives would go to Cairo after Egypt responded to their demand that the two Palestinian groups based in Damascus be invited.

"What we need is a comprehensive Palestinian dialogue which enables every Palestinian political group to participate," said Ranteesi.

Egypt has told Palestinian groups that it supports any agreement accomplished among them, Palestinian sources said.

The dialogue was set to begin on Thursday and would last for two days.

The Cairo dialogue is aimed at reaching an agreement on a halt to suicide bombing attacks on Israeli civilians in anticipation of the implementation of a "roadmap" peace plan after Israel's Jan. 28 elections.

(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2003)