Special to WorldTribune.com

RAMALLAH — The Palestinian Authority has been struggling to find a
replacement for Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.

Palestinian sources said PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has been unable to
find a consensus candidate to become the next prime minister.

The administration of U.S. President Barack Obama, a leading donor to the PA, has been in daily contact with Abbas.

“Would I prefer that he weren’t leaving?” U.S. Secretary of State John
Kerry, who failed to reinstate Fayyad, said. “Sure, because you have
continuity.”

The sources said many in the ruling Fatah movement have opposed any permanent prime minister and were calling for elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council.

“The president must hold consultations with Palestinian movements to
form a national unity government and set a date for elections,” former PA
minister and Fatah leader Azzam Al Ahmed said.

The sources said many in the Fatah Central Committee rejected a string
of candidates proposed by Abbas. They included Abbas allies in Fatah as well
as technocrats who could gain the confidence of the international community.

“Fatah is relieved over Fayyad’s timely resignation which was
inevitable,” Fatah secretary general Amin Maqbul said. “He failed
miserably.”

The sources said the technocrats proposed to replace the 61-year-old
Fayyad, who served since 2007, included Palestine Investment Fund director
Mohammed Mustafa. Another candidate was identified as former Economy
Minister Mazen Sinokrot, said to be favored by the opposition Hamas. Abbas
was said to be considering a candidate who could lead a Hamas-Fatah
government.

Western allies have been consulting with Abbas to help influence his
selection of Fayyad’s replacement.

PA law grants Abbas two weeks to select the head of any new
Palestinian government. The sources said the deadline for the entire process
would be reached by mid-May.

“Under the law, the president has two weeks to choose a person tasked
with forming a new government,” Al Ahmed said.

  aralysis grips Palestinian Authority, Azzam Al Ahmed, Fatah Central Committee, Mahmoud Abbas, Obama administration in daily contact, Salam Fayyad