Qureia selects Palestinian Cabinet

PALESTINIAN Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia said yesterday that he has formed a cabinet and will present it to parliament for approval later this week, which could clear the way for the resumption of high-level talks with Israel.

Mr Qureia’s announcement caps weeks of political wrangling, including a stand-off with veteran Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat over control of security forces. Mr Qureia gave in on most points in order to be able to go ahead with forming the government, frustrating American efforts to sideline Mr Arafat.

Mr Qureia and Mr Arafat have held a series of meetings in recent days, including one yesterday. Emerging from Mr Arafat’s compound, Mr Qureia said: “We have finished the composition of the cabinet, and we are going to present it to the Palestinian legislature on Wednesday for a vote of confidence.”