Arafat Intends to Nominate PM: Palestinian Official

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, July 18, 2002

Arafat Intends to Nominate PM: Palestinian Official

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is mulling the idea of nominating a prime minister for an "independent Palestinian state," said Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nabil Shaath on Wednesday evening.

"President Arafat has no objection to the nomination of a prime minister, but such a step can not be taken before the declaration of an independent Palestinian state with a formal constitution," Shaath told Xinhua in a phone interview.

Quoting Arafat, the Palestinian official said "there is need to nominate a prime minister for the Palestinian state to take charge of the daily affairs of the government that can not be addressed bythe head of state."

The idea is still under discussion, Shaath said, adding that "such a move can never be made under US and Israeli pressures."

The issue of creating the post of Palestinian prime minister is being discussed by Palestinian officials and in some Arab and worldcapitals since Arafat declared in May major reforms of the Palestinian National Authority and the general elections due to be held early next year.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Powell Insists on Not Dealing with Arafat

US Suggests Figurehead Role for Arafat

Bush Insists on Change of Palestinian Leadership

How to View Major Problems in China's Income Distribution System ( 35 Messages)

Gang of 66 Criminals Get Heavy Sentences ( 3 Messages)

Sino-Russian Military Exercise not Targeting Third Country ( 58 Messages)

Shanghai Plans Asia's Biggest Shopping Center ( 124 Messages)

Taiwan to Lift Half-century Ban on Direct Investment in Mainland ( 2 Messages)

China's Economy Grew 7.8 Percent in First Half Year ( 3 Messages)