The Palestinian Legislative Council has canceled a meeting that was scheduled for Sunday to discuss the appointment of Palestinian Prime Minister-designate Ahmed Qurei (Abu Ala), it was reported Saturday night.
Earlier Saturday, envoys of the Quartet of Middle East peace-brokers agreed that a new Palestinian government with an empowered prime minister must be installed to break the cycle of violence.
But Qurei said Saturday that the formation of a new government depended on a change in Israel's approach, Reuters reported.
"At this time, I am not putting together a government. If the other side [Israel], changes it stance, however, a Palestinian government could be established that would take action," he said during an address to a group of some 30 leftist Israeli activists, who visited Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat's Ramallah headquarters Saturday.
"There is real possibility to reach a truce deal even with Hamas," Qurei said. He also reiterated his previous condemnation of Tuesday's suicide bombings.
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
