Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu Mazen tightens his leadership in the leadership by appointing and promoting his associates to key positions in the PLO Executive Committee.
In Ramallah, the list of divisions and appointments in the PLO Executive Committee, a body considered one of the most important and influential leadership institutions in the Palestinian political system, was published today (Saturday).
Among the personalities on the list, the one who attracts the most attention is Fatah official Hussein a-Sheikh, the PA's Minister of Civil Affairs, who was recently appointed by Abu Mazen to the post of PLO Secretary General.
The appointment is now receiving final and official approval.
Received a promotion.
A-Sheikh alongside Abu Mazen (archive), Photo: Reuters
Alongside the new title, a-Sheikh has been officially appointed head of the PLO's negotiating team, a position played by his predecessor Saab Erekat, who died of coronary heart disease about a year and a half ago.
Since then, the position has not been filled, but in practice the one who filled the vacuum was a-Sheikh himself.
The move means that Hussein al-Sheikh will become number 2 in the Palestinian leadership, which increases his chances of becoming chairman of the Palestinian Authority.
A-Sheikh's status has strengthened in recent years, and he de facto holds in his hands the "political file" in the Palestinian Authority.
Many tasks were entrusted to him by Abu Mazen, in which he conducted political contacts here and abroad.
He has hosted members of the U.S. delegation in his office in Ramallah for the past two weeks, leading a series of preparatory meetings with them ahead of President Joe Biden's visit to the Middle East next month.
The PA chairman's move comes to signal to the US administration on the eve of the president's visit to the region that he is renewing PLO institutions, a demand that has been raised in the past in US talks with the Palestinian side.
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