Nabil Shaath
Photo: AFP
Saeb Erekat
Photo: AFP
Who will replace Abbas in peace talks?
Al-Ahram reports Shaath, Erekat waging 'silent battle' over substituting for head of negotiation team
Two Palestinian Authority officials are waging a quiet battle over who will stand at the head of the negotiating team in the peace talks between
Israel and the Palestinians, in case President Mahmoud Abbas cannot be present or requires assistance.
The Egyptian Al-Ahram reported Saturday that Palestinian leaders were divided over Nabil Shaath and Saeb Erekat, both of whom are members of the Fatah central council and both of who have experience in heading negotiations with Israel.
Shaath, however, is seen to have a slight edge because he has also headed Fatah's negotiations with rival Hamas in Gaza.
The report added that the "silent battle" between the two candidates was exposed when they made conflicting announcements on the date of the next round of talks with Israel in Sharm El-Sheikh.
Shaath published a statement saying there would be a covert meeting held in preparation, after which Erekat published a statement contradicting this claim.
The two men's origins also play a part in their candidacy. Supporters of Shaath, who is from the Gaza Strip, say this will help reach an agreement with Hamas. Erekat, who is from the West Bank, is said to be missing this advantage.
