Abbas has long been under pressure by the grassroots in Fatah to schedule elections. Critics said Abbas was scared of being swept into retirement and replaced by a much younger Fatah member.

This would mark the first such Fatah conference since 1989 in Tunisia. Abbas said the conference would also be briefed by the new PA government, expected to be headed by incumbent Prime Minister Salaam Fayad.

Abbas plans to appoint a new Cabinet before the Central Committee meeting. The Cabinet was expected to consist of 24 ministers.

Ahmed Ghneim, member of the Fatah Central Committee, said the conference would be held in an unidentified Arab state, most likely Egypt or Jordan. In a statement, Ghneim said a date for the conference has not been set.

Fatah dissidents have accused Abbas of preparing to select members to the conference. They said Abbas could appoint 120 delegates.

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