Mahmoud Abbas

     Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas appealed to militant groups Monday to halt their attacks on Israel - urging them to accept his plan for renewing a cease-fire even if Israel is cool to the idea. Palestinian militant groups have said there could be no truce if Israel keeps up its attacks and refuses to extend any a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip to the West Bank. But in an interview, Abbas said the militants should take the first step and halt rocket fire for a month to allow for negotiations on a more omprehensive truce that would include the West Bank.(22,14)