Palestinian minister escapes shooting attack
Sources in Gaza say gunmen open fire at Interior Minister Said Siyam's motorcade, causing no injuries; Interior Ministry spokesman dismisses shooting as random attack, denies target was Siyam
Interior Ministry spokesman Khaled Abu Hilal dismissed the shooting as a random attack and denied that the target was Siyam.
The men, driving in a nearby car, apparently shot at a car in the motorcade, but not at the vehicle carrying Siyam, he said.
On Saturday the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization has recommended Saturday that President Mahmoud Abbas declare early elections for the presidency and the Legislative Council in a bid to bring an end to the political impasse with Hamas regarding the establishment of a unity government.
Hamas sources said the committee itself is not legal, and therefore its decisions are not binding.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Dr. Mahmoud al-Zahar said in clear defiance of Abbas that his organization is opposed to early elections "and if someone grew tired from leading and the presidential role, he should evacuate his post and hold presidential elections only."
The PLO Worker's Committee it seems isn't assuming that there will be a decline in cooperation between Hamas and Fatah.
Sources in the PA told Ynet that Saturday's appointment of Yasser Abed Rabo, who is considered number two in importance after the committee's chairman Abbas, is testimony that Abbas doesn't plan on waiting forever for Hamas, who, on their part, demanded a reform of PLO institutions and giving director-general of the committee to Hamas members.
Apparently, Hamas has designated this role for Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal.
