Abbas removes long-time critic from No. 2 position in PLO
An official says Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has fired a long-time critic from the No. 2 job in the Palestine Liberation Organization in what is seen as his latest move to sideline potential rivals.
Ahmed Majdalani, a senior PLO member, says Yasser Abed Rabbo was removed as PLO secretary general in a leadership meeting late Tuesday headed by Abbas, the organization's leader. Abed Rabbo has criticized Abbas' policies and leadership style. Abbas has alleged in closed-door meetings that Abed Rabbo is part of a group of Palestinian politicians trying to undermine him with financial support from the United Arab Emirates.
