New political crisis looms as PM Haniyeh lays down preconditions

February 14, 2007

Bethlehem - Ma'an - Sources close to the Hamas movement have told Ma'an that Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh is delaying the resignation of his current government until President Mahmoud Abbas agrees on 3 preconditions:

First: Endorsement of all the decisions that the Hamas-led government has made since their election victory, including the establishment of the pro-Hamas Executive Force, which is under the command of the interior ministry, and the other appointments.

Second: Agreement in advance on the candidate for the interior portfolio.

Third: Considering Ziad Abu Amr, the proposed minister of foreign affairs, as an independent figure chosen by Fatah, not by Hamas.