Palestinian PM withdraws resignation in deal with Arafat

PALESTINIAN Prime Minister Ahmed Quriea withdrew his resignation yesterday after Yasser Arafat granted him some power to carry out reforms, easing a paralysing leadership crisis, officials said.

Mr Quriea’s chief of staff said he had won effective control over police and internal security agencies, part of a security apparatus whose chaos and corruption is seen by international mediators as an obstacle to peacemaking with Israel.

Mr Arafat’s move came after an unprecedented explosion of unrest over high-level inaction on demands for anti-corruption reforms.

But Mr Arafat has not honoured similar promises in the past. Yesterday’s deal leaves him in charge of national security and intelligence which encompass the bulk of Palestinian security personnel.

“The president rejected my resignation and I will (now) comply,” Mr Quriea told reporters after 10 days of turmoil that raised fears of a descent into anarchy in the West Bank and Gaza.

“I hope I will be up to this confidence and co-operate with (Arafat) in carrying out this very difficult responsibility,” Mr Quriea said after a cabinet session from which he and the president emerged smiling, each kissing the other on the cheek.

Hassan Abu Libdeh, Mr Quriea’s chief of staff said: “This is a good step. In the next few days and weeks we will see action permitting the government to play its role.”

Mr Quriea had wanted to bow out in despair over his inability to pursue reforms, especially to security services under Arafat’s control.

US-led mediators regard Palestinian reforms, along with Israeli restraint in military action against Palestinian militants, as crucial to reviving a peace plan promising Palestinians a state in the West Bank and Gaza.