The crisis between Palestinian president, Yasser Arafat and Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas was made public in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, with dozens of armed men loyal to Arafat turning out in a show of force against the appointment of an official to replace one of his staunch supporters.
With a tough reception of armed men waiting, the man chosen to take over as chairman of the body in charge of 70,000 civil servants didn't show up. And the current head of the General Personnel Council, Arafat backer Mohammed Abu Sharia, refused to go.
He was supposed to be replaced Saturday with Sakher Basseso, governor of the northern Gaza Strip, who was picked by the Palestinian cabinet Wednesday to take over the post.
Basseso, who has himself tried to mediate in the dispute between the Abbas and Arafat, didn't show up Saturday.
Dozens of armed men from Arafat's movement stood outside the Gaza City office, which is next to Abbas' Gaza headquarters. In the office inside, Abu Sharia said he would remain head of the administrative body that manages personnel in all offices of the Palestinian Authority.
"I spoke with President Arafat and he told me, 'You stay in your place. No one can push you out,"' Abu Sharia said. He added that the armed men outside were there to "ensure that only the president's decision is the one that is implemented." (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
