Abbas vote clears way for US peace plan

THE Palestinian parliament last night confirmed Mahmoud Abbas as prime minister, clearing the final obstacle to the launch of a US-backed Mideast plan that holds out the first real hope of ending 31 months of violence

In his maiden speech, Mr Abbas, 68, stuck to traditional Palestinian positions toward negotiations with Israel.

But he also pledged to disarm militias and enforce the rule of law promises that could set up a violent showdown between the Palestinian Authority and militant groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad.