ABBAS WON’T BE HEADING NEW GOVERNMENT

West Bank, 15 Rajab 1435/14 May 2014 (MINA) – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will not be the head of the upcoming unity government, and that the new president will not have a deputy president, Maan News Agency reported.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior source told Ma’an that Rami Hamdallah is the most likely person to head the new government, and that talks to determine the configuration of this government are nearly concluded, especially since all suggested names are ready, according to International Middle East Media Center (IMEMC) reports as quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).

The source added that Mousa Abu Marzouq, deputy head of the Hamas Political Bureau, in addition to Khalil al-Hayya and Imad al-Alamy, represent the Hamas movement in government formation talks.

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On Tuesday evening, Fateh official Azzam al-Ahmad arrived in Gaza for final talks with Hamas officials, and officials of various political groups in Gaza.

The outcome of government formation talks will be revealed during a press conference in Gaza, on Wednesday.

Once formed, the new government will also start preparations for holding new general and presidential elections in the occupied territories.

On April 23, the Fatah-led PLO and Hamas announced a national unity deal to end seven years of political division between the largest two Palestinian parties, with a national unity government to be set in place within five weeks.(T/Fauziah/P03/E01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)