RAMALLAH — Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has been
grooming what could be the first senior woman official in the West Bank.
Abbas has appointed a Palestinian academic as the first woman governor
in the PA. On Jan. 22, Laila Ghanam was sworn in to become the new governor
of Ramallah, regarded as the most important province.
"She will become increasingly prominent over the coming year," a PA
source said.
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Ms. Ghanam had been acting governor for the last six months. She has
also served as director-general of the PA Social Affairs Ministry.
The PA source said Ms. Ghanam was regarded as a favorite of Abbas as
well as Prime Minister Salam Fayad. They said the PA chairman has consulted
with Ms. Ghanam, active in women's rights, on domestic affairs.
In late 2009, Abbas reshuffled the PA governors in the West Bank. This
included the replacement of the governor in the northern province of Nablus,
an appointment opposed by the ruling Fatah movement.
Abbas has pledged not to run in any PA election. But PA sources said
they expect Abbas to remain in power throughout 2010.