Palestinian premier to remain in post temporarily
In an angry confrontation in the Palestinian leader’s office, Mr Qureia insisted his resignation stands unless Arafat yields more power to the Cabinet.
Mr Arafat insisted he rejected Mr Qureia’s resignation, said Saeb Erekat, a senior Cabinet minister.
“President Arafat insisted in rejecting the resignation. Abu Ala insists on his resignation. The crisis goes on,” Mr Erekat said, using Mr Qureia’s common name.
At the Cabinet meeting, some ministers quoted Mr Qureia as saying he accepted Mr Arafat’s rejection of his resignation, which he submitted three days ago amid growing chaos in Gaza over disorder in the Palestinian security services.
But Mr Qureia told the Cabinet he saw himself only as a caretaker premier, ministers said, indicating the problems were unresolved.
Mr Qureia “told Arafat his government must have real authority, especially over the security branches in order for it to be effective,” said Qadoura Fares, a minister without portfolio.
“Arafat decided to reject Abu Ala’s resignation, and renewed his confidence in him,” said Mr Arafat’s aide Nabil Abu Rdeneh.
“Accordingly, the resignation is officially rejected.”
Mr Arafat, who is president of the Palestinian Authority, attended the meeting. The session was held in his headquarters, where he has been sequestered for two years in his compound.
The crisis exploded after a series of kidnappings and violent demonstrations in Gaza last week, followed by Mr Arafat’s reshuffling of top security posts.
Mr Arafat announced a consolidation of the security services, but appointed his unpopular cousin, Moussa Arafat, to the top security job in Gaza. On Monday, Mr Arafat reinstated the officer his cousin replaced but kept Moussa in a powerful position.
Meanwhile, two Israeli soldiers died yesterday in exchanges of fire with the Hezbollah Shi’ite militia across the border with Lebanon.
