Palestinian Cabinet row threatens to delay US peace plan for Mideast

INCOMING Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas set out his list of Cabinet ministers, expecting quick approval to trigger the presentation of a US-backed peace plan, but opposition to some of his choices emerged yesterday.

US President George W Bush said he would present the "road map" plan, starting the clock toward Palestinian statehood in three years, once Mr Abbas takes office. The US and Israel have demanded that veteran Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat move aside before peace talks resume.

But Mr Arafat and several leading members of his Fatah movement object to some of Mr Abbas' appointments.