Makboul: Abbas not to lead Palestinian unity government

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has decided not to head the upcoming unity government with Islamist Hamas movement, an official in Abbas’ Fatah party said on Monday. “Abbas asked not to be the prime minister for the future unity government for the great tasks he already has,” Amin Makboul, secretary of Fatah’s Revolutionary Council, said, reported the Chinese news agency Xinhua. The Fatah official suggested that the position would be entitled to an independent figure who has no factional affiliation. Choosing an independent person for the premier’s post will be discussed with Hamas movement which does not oppose Abbas’ decision, the official added. Abbas has been consensually nominated to lead an interim unity government.