Palestinian sources publish names of new Fayyad´s cabinet members

Source: Xinhua | 05-13-2009 08:56

RAMALLAH, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Local media sources published on Tuesday the names of the Palestinian ministers in the new larger Palestinian cabinet headed by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, which is expected to be sworn in later Tuesday night.

The Gaza-based Ramattan news agency quoted Palestinian well-informed sources as saying that Fayyad and the members of the large cabinet will hold a meeting Tuesday evening and will make an official announcement about forming the new larger Palestinian government.

The sources said that some of the candidates to be responsible for six portfolios; the prisoners' affairs, the environment, the agriculture, the communication, the higher education and the deputy premier abstained from joining the new government.

Among those who abstained, were the lawmaker Hanan Ashrawi for higher education, and the chairman of the People's party Bassam Salhi for agriculture, said the sources.

Hamas was not asked to join the new government as well as the Islamic Jihad that they have their political power in the Gaza Strip that is ruled by Hamas. Also the Democratic and the Popular Fronts (PFLP) and (DFLP) abstained from joining.