Hamas nominates parliament speaker
Abdel Aziz Duaik, geography professor from Hebron, is put forward by Hamas as candidate for parliament speaker; low profile candidate seen as attempt to decrease tensions with Fatah
Hamas has named Abdel Aziz Duaik, a geography professor from the West Bank city of Hebron, as its candidate for parliament speaker, a Hamas official said.
Dauik's selection is a little surprising, since many believed that a leading Hamas figure would take up the post. Sources in the PA said, however, that Hamas decided not to place a leader of the organization in the sensitive role, in order to avoid antagonism with Fatah.
Hamas is continuing to try and assemble a government which will include Fatah.
Palestinian sources said they believed that Duaik's nomination was a reflection of geographic factors, as Hebron was the city in which Hamas won its largest electoral gain, winning all nine seats contested in the district, and overcoming high profile Fatah candidates, such as Jibril Rajoub.
Duaik had served as spokesman for hundreds of Islamic terrorists deported by Israel to Lebanon more than a decade ago. He speaks fluent English.
“It is a nomination, said Duaik, adding that he “most probably” would get the post.
The Palestinian parliament, chosen in a Jan. 25 election, will convene for the first time Saturday. Hamas controls a majority of 72 of 132 seats and can determine the new speaker.
In addition to his parliamentary powers, the speaker steps in as acting president of the Palestinian Authority if the serving leader dies in office.
Deported
Duaik was last arrested in 1991 when he was deported to southern Lebanon. He was allowed to return to the West Bank along with other deportees about a year later. Since then, since has kept a low public profile.
The Hamas candidate for deputy speaker is Ahmed Bahar of Gaza City, a prominent member of the Islamic militant group, said Hamas spokesman Khaled Suleiman. Bahar, 57, is one of the most prominent group leaders in Gaza, where he used to preach in mosques, mobilize support for the group, and run a charity organization that financed social welfare projects.
He was an Arabic professor. Both Duaik and Bahar are among Hamas’ most prominent and respected members among the Palestinian public.
Their appointments signaled the group will evenly divide responsibilities between leaders in the West Bank and Gaza. Israel has threatened to prevent Hamas members from traveling between the two areas. The Palestinian parliament has buildings in the West Bank and Gaza, and sessions are held via videoconferences.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
