Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, following a heart procedure earlier this week in Jordan, said Friday he intends to appoint a deputy.
Abbas, 70, did not say whom he had in mind for the job and told reporters that he needs to review the issue with the Palestinian parliament and Cabinet. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon called Abbas on Friday and wished him good health, Sharon's office said. The two leaders are to meet June 21.
Meanwhile, armed men assassinated on Friday afternoon Sheikh Ali Abu Faraj the Director General of the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments in the northern West Bank districts and member of Fatah local committee.
Sheikh Faraj was taken to Rafidia hospital where he was pronounced dead. His brother Husam Faraj was seriously wounded in the same incident.
Four years ago, Sheikh Tayel Faraj, a brother of Sheikh Ali who used to hold the same post, was assassinated in a similar manner. According to PIC, it is believed that internal Fatah disputes are behind these assassinations.
