Rami Hamdallah Appointed Prime Minister Of Palestine By President Mahmoud Abbas

[oberliner]

RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Palestinian president Abbas on Sunday picked a little-known academic as his new prime minister, according to the official government news agency, following the resignation of his chief rival.

Mahmoud Abbas appointed Rami Hamdallah to replace Salam Fayyad, a respected U.S.-educated economist. Fayyad frequently clashed with Abbas and was seen as being too independent.

Appointing Hamdallah is likely to shore up the president's power, because he is seen as being more pliant. The new prime minister was tasked with forming a new government of technocrats, not politicians.

Hamdallah is a member of the Fatah Party led by Abbas. He has no prior political or government experience.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/02/rami-hamdallah-palestine-prime-minister_n_3375537.html?utm_hp_ref=world