Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas) issued a decree establishing a committee to draft an interim constitution, which will establish "a transition from the Authority to the state." According to the Palestinians, "The decree comes as part of preparations for holding general elections after the cessation of war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and ahead of a Palestinian state assuming responsibility for the Gaza Strip." Accordingly, "the committee will serve as a legal authority source for drafting the interim constitution, in a manner consistent with the Declaration of Independence document, principles of international law, international legitimacy resolutions, human rights conventions and relevant international agreements."