AMMAN: Hamas' political leader says that reconciliation talks with the Palestinian militant group's rival Fatah faction are on track and will resume in Egypt on Feb. 9.

Khalid Mashaal says that "obstacles" over crucial issues such as elections and a future government remain, but that he expected progress in talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

Mashaal said: "We've made good steps in our previous reconciliation talks and we have a timetable to follow," Mashaal said.

He added: "No doubt, there are obstacles, but we will overcome them with our will and determination to end the state of estrangement and division."

Mashaal was speaking to reporters in the Jordanian capital on Monday, following talks on Palestinian reconciliation with Jordan's King Abdullah II.