Arafat's PM Decision at Behest of Mideast Quartet: PNA Official

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, February 16, 2003

Arafat's PM Decision at Behest of Mideast Quartet: PNA Official

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's decision to appoint a prime minister was made at the behest of the Mideast Quartet, a senior PNA official said on Saturday.

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Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's decision to appoint a prime minister was made at the behest of the Mideast Quartet, a senior PNA official said on Saturday.

The official said on condition of anonymity that the Quartet, which groups the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia, asked Arafat to appoint prime minister, vice president, national security advisor and a committee to run the peace talks with Israel.

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat said "debates and discussion had been held with the Quartet Committee representatives," but declined to disclose who are most likely to assume the new positions.

"The Quartet meeting with President Arafat concentrated on taking measures toward implementing the Palestinian commitments in the roadmap peace plan and on appointing a Palestinian prime minister," said Erekat.

Erekat considered the decision "a new gesture to show the Palestinian readiness to be more committed to the program of reforms."

He expressed dismay at the US and Israeli reaction to the reforms made by the Palestinian leadership, saying the response "was poor and brings us a feeling of regret."

Erekat revealed that the Quartet had vowed to help convene the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and the Palestinian Central Council to approve the new position of prime minister.

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