Cabinet deal puts peace plan on track

PRIME Minister-designate Mahmoud Abbas presented a new Cabinet to Yasser Arafat, ending a stand-off with the Palestinian leader over its composition, officials said yesterday, and ensuring that a US-backed peace plan remains on track.

Palestinian Parliament Speaker Ahmed Qureia said he was informed by Mr Abbas and Mr Arafat that the new Cabinet was formed, just hours before a midnight deadline, and the list of ministers is ready for presentation to the parliament.

“We were asked to call for a special session of the Palestinian legislature to vote confidence in the new government,” Mr Qureia said. “I will call for a session ... within a week.”