Ramallah, Sept 28: Yasser Arafat's Fatah faction agreed on a new Palestinian Cabinet, naming a longtime ally of the Palestinian leader to replace a key security official Israel and the United States had hoped would rein in Palestinian militants. With the ouster of security chief Mohammed Dahlan at yesterday's meeting of Fatah leaders, it appeared even less likely the Palestinian security forces would dismantle militant groups, as demanded by Israel and required under the US-backed "road map" peace plan.
Israel and the United States accuse Arafat of encouraging terror attacks and obstructing peace efforts and have tried to sideline him. But the veteran leader retains significant power, and the incoming Palestinian Prime Minister, Ahmed Qureia, gave Arafat-controlled Fatah considerable say in forming the Cabinet.
There was no immediate Israeli reaction to the new Cabinet, but Israel has said it will not work with a Cabinet controlled by Arafat. However, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said that Qureia will be judged on his deeds.
Regardless, a number of the 23 ministers named by Fatah officials are longtime Arafat allies, including Maj. Gen. Nasser Yousef, who as the incoming interior minister will be in charge of the security forces, said Palestinian officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Bureau Report