Qureia seeks guarantee before becoming PM

PALESTINIAN parliament speaker Ahmed Qureia said yesterday he will only become prime minister if Washington guarantees Israeli compliance with the road map peace plan, including a halt to military strikes.

Qureia said he does not want to set himself up for failure, an apparent reference to outgoing premier Mahmoud Abbas, who resigned after just four months in office that were marred by wrangling with veteran leader Yasser Arafat.

However, sources close to Qureia said he has agreed in principle to take the job, and his formal acceptance is expected in days. He met US, Russian and Egyptian diplomats yesterday, discussing his requests and the possible composition of a new government.