Qureia vows Palestinian cabinet overhaul in reform plan

PALESTINIAN Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia yesterday promised a drastic overhaul of his cabinet, signalling the start of long-sought reform, after his original lineup of political old-timers prompted an angry outcry and threats of a no-confidence vote.

Mr Qureia told parliament he would largely appoint experts, rather than politicians, to the cabinet, to be presented to parliament for approval today.

Sweeping change in the cabinet would mark a first for the Palestinian Authority. Until now, the ministers were largely chosen from a small circle of the late Yasser Arafat, often regardless of expertise.