Palestinian parliament rejects Arafat's power play

The Palestinian parliament today rejected Yasser Arafat’s request that a Cabinet formed by a future prime minister be “presented” to him – one of several amendments to a reform package the Palestinian leader had proposed.

MPs remained divided over whether Arafat proposed the changes to try to weaken the new prime minister or was simply seeking minor procedural changes.

In four decades as Palestinian leader, Arafat has resisted sharing power, and agreed only reluctantly last month – under intense international pressure – to appoint a prime minister who would run the day-to-day affairs of government.

If Israel or the United States determine that the proposed changes make the prime minister dependent on Arafat, it could derail attempts to restart Middle East diplomacy. President George Bush said last week he would present a peace plan known as the “road map” if the Palestinians install a credible prime minister.

Israel and the United States refuse to allow their officials to deal with Arafat and were hoping that the new prime minister would have enough authority to justify resuming official contacts.

Parliament approved the new position last week, saying the prime minister has the authority to form and convene the Cabinet, and dismiss ministers. Arafat was left in command of security forces and with the final say on peace talks with Israel.

Since then, Arafat has proposed several changes. Among other things, Arafat asked that a new Cabinet be ”presented” to him. The wording makes it unclear whether this means Arafat wants final approval of the Cabinet.

Palestinian Planning Minister Nabil Shaath said Monday that the change was “largely cosmetic” and that it did not grant Arafat a veto over Cabinet appointments.

However, MPs critical of Arafat said they fear he is trying to undermine the new post. “The Palestinian president has made some changes ... that do not guarantee that the prime minister will be independent in taking his decisions,” said legislator Hassan Khreishe, adding that he would vote against the amendments.

In a show of hands, MPs voted 49-22 to reject Arafat’s demand.

This means the prime minister’s bill is on hold until Arafat either signs it or the legislature comes up with different wording.

Earlier , Arafat addressed the MPs at his West Bank headquarters in Ramallah, asking them to approve the amendments. “When we made the decision to create the position of prime minister, we were serious,” he said.

MP Mohammed Horani, a member of Arafat’s Fatah movement, said he and others want sweeping reform, not cosmetics. “We are serious this time,” Horani said. “We want a serious position for a prime minister who has responsibilities and powers to take decisions.”