Arafat Appoints Acting Security Chief(new blow to Pal PM Ahmed Qureia)

[papau]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=716&e=2&u=/ap/20031013/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_palestinians

Arafat Appoints Acting Security Chief

By IBRAHIM BARZAK, Associated Press Writer

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Yasser Arafat appointed a senior official from the ruling Fatah party as acting security chief, an official said Monday, a new blow to Palestinian Prime minister Ahmed Qureia.

<snip>Arafat appointed Hakam Balawi to the security post, a Palestinian official said on condition of anonymity. Qureia, who had supported another candidate, has told Fatah he wants to quit once the term of his temporary government expires in about three weeks because of sharp disagreements with Arafat. However, with the deadline three weeks off, there is still time to settle the differences, Palestinian officials said. <snip>

Qureia, meanwhile, said after days of bitter quarreling with Arafat that he would not continue in office after his Cabinet's term expires in three weeks. Part of the argument was over who would serve as interior minister and de facto security chief. Qureia had supported Nasser Yousef for the job, but Arafat blocked the appointment because he felt Yousef defied him by refusing to be sworn in as part of the emergency Cabinet last week. The tension between Arafat and Qureia reflects disagreement over the amount of control Arafat would retain over Palestinian armed forces, as well as procedural and personal issues. Israel and the United States insist that Arafat hand over authority, charging that he is tainted by terrorism. <snip>