New PA Prime Minister Haniyeh
Photo: AP
Hamas cabinet sworn in
New PA government: Ministers in Ismail Haniyeh's cabinet sworn in at Abbas' Gaza office
A day after Israeli elections, Hamas government officially launched: Ministers in Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's government were sworn in Wednesday afternoon at the Gaza office of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
Several Palestine Liberation Organization members took part in the ceremony, in order to emphasize the PLO's central role in the PA despite Hamas' elections victory.
However, the new government will have to face numerous difficulties immediately upon its establishment. One example is the American Administration's order Wednesday instructing all U.S. diplomats serving in Israel to refrain from engaging in any contacts with the new Hamas government.
On Tuesday, the Palestinian parliament approved the new government and its basic principles, with Prime Minister Haniyeh saying the new cabinet constitutes a "government of martyrs."
Haniyeh stressed the new government is "determined to lead the Palestinian people to the path of justice and equality," adding the cabinet's objective was to bring about the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, as well as the return of refugees and liberation of prisoners.
Another difficulty the new Palestinian government may face stems from Palestinian remarks regarding the Israeli election results. PA leader Abbas called on the next Israeli government to resume negotiations, but Hamas members were quick to say they object to Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's so-called "convergence plan" and intend to hold talks with the international Quartet, but not with Israel.
Meanwhile, the U.S. along with other Western countries demand Hamas meet several pre-conditions in order to enjoy international support, namely recognition of Israel and the honoring of past agreements signed with the Jewish state.
