GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip: A participant in Palestinian power-sharing talks said Wednesday that Egypt wants an agreement by Saturday.

Egypt is mediating between rivals Hamas and Fatah. The talks began Tuesday in Cairo.

Negotiator Samir Ghosheh, who is from a tiny faction, says he and his colleagues were told by Egypt that they need to produce an agreement by Saturday. An accord is seen essential for financing reconstruction in Gaza.

The deadline appeared to be a pressure tactic. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak wants to host a signing ceremony by the end of March.

Ghosheh said Wednesday Hamas and Fatah are still apart on the composition of a unity government. The Islamic militant Hamas rules Gaza. Fatah's leader, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, controls the West Bank.

In Cairo, Wasil Abu Youssef of the Palestine Liberation Front said the talks would be wrapped up by the end of the month, and agreement in several areas would be completed within two days. However, key issues remained open, including the political program of the government, term of the president and elections.