DAMASCUS (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 reconciliation efforts. "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 Oct 25 for Egypt-mediated talks aimed at forming a Palestinian transitional government acceptable to the rival factions. 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." 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.