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Palestinians close to unity government

Atul Aneja

Mohammed Shabir

DUBAI: Palestinian factions engaged in prolonged discussions are close to an agreement on the composition of a national unity government. The move is part of an exercise to break the economic embargo that they have faced after the militant group, Hamas, won parliamentary elections earlier this year.

Discussions are revolving on the names of individuals in a new Cabinet line-up. The Hamas and the Fatah movement of the President Mahmoud Abbas have decided that the new government would not include established politicians. Instead the focus has been on picking technocrats whose names would be acceptable inside the Palestinian territories and abroad.

As of now, Mohammed Shabir is the lead candidate for the post of Prime Minister. The 60-year old academic had earlier headed the Islamic University in Gaza.

Close to Hamas

He is known to be close to Hamas, but also has good links in the United States, where he studied microbiology. According to the Israeli daily Haaretz, Mr. Abbas is considering the appointment of Ziad Abu Amar as Foreign Minister. Mr. Abu Amar was supported by Hamas in the parliamentary elections, but has also been a frequent visitor to American universities. Salam Fayad, a former Finance Minister is likely to be handed over the same portfolio.

The formation of a new government is part of possible deal, which has two other elements. Once the government acceptable to all interested parties is formed, the economic embargo would be lifted. Besides, a decision on the release of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier seized by Palestinian militants, would also be taken.

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