Palestinian officials on Tuesday denied a press report that a decision has been made to cancel the position of Palestinian PM in the Palestinian Authority. It came after a statement by the Palestinian sports minister - Salah Tamari – in which he said that the PA is ready to cancel the position that was initially imposed by the US.
Tamari, speaking to the London-based Arabic daily Al Hayat, said Monday night “there are intentions to cancel the position of prime minister and transfer all powers and responsibilities back to president Arafat”.
Tamari was further quoted as saying “these actions come as a way to challenge the Americans and their lack of support for the Palestinian people. American is openly backing Israel and this step comes as a way to challenge America’s stance towards us."
On his part, Palestinian minister of prisoner affairs - Hisham Abdul Razziq - told Al Bawaba Tuesday morning that he had no idea about the issue.
Hatem Abdul Qader, a member of legislative council and a leader in Fateh, denied that any discussions have even taken place [within the cabinet] regarding this issue. "Such a decision can only be taken by the [legislative] council and not the government. Also, abandoning the position of prime minister needs legislative amendments," Abdul Qader explained.
"The position of Palestinian prime minister was created as a result of international pressure (referring to the US pressure imposed on Arafat prior to the ‘road map for peace’), but it was also the people's request. I personally don’t think that canceling it would make any political difference," Abdul Qader concluded. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
