DAMASCUS, Oct 12, 2008 (AFP) - Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday called for an end to divisions between his Fatah faction and rival Hamas, adding that Syria as well as Egypt is helping reconcilition efforts.

'Syria's role is essential... Syria is playing a role and we will continue to coordinate our positions with it and with other Arab countries such as Egypt,' Abbas said after talks in Damascus with President Bashar al-Assad.

Abbas is visiting Syria against the backdrop of plans for Fatah and Hamas delegations to meet in Cairo on October 25 for Egypt-mediated talks aimed at forming a Palestinian transitional government acceptable to the rival factions.

'It is necessary to put an end to Palestinian divisions,' Abbas said, adding that he hope 'things will move' in Cairo.

Egypt has been acting as a go-between to Fatah and Hamas after the Islamist party, which won a majority in parliamentary elections in 2006, seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, routing forces loyal to Fatah.

Top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat told reporters 'we have asked President Assad to do (his best) to help end (Palestinian) divisions and help make a dialogue successful.'

In July, on his last visit to Syria, Abbas met representatives of several Palestinian factions based in Damascus. However, he did not meet Hamas supremo Khaled Meshaal, who also lives there.

Abbas also discussed with Assad the indirect peace talks that have been taking place since May between Syria and Israel through Turkish mediation, Erakat said.