Palestinian Parliament
Debate could last until tomorrow
The Palestinian parliament has convened to debate the powers of a designated prime minister.
This morning, the Palestinian Legislative Council approved the creation of the post of Prime Minister, but did not specify who would fill the post.
Officials say the debate over the 26 amendments to the Basic Law, a de facto constitution, could run until tomorrow.
Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat last week named his 68-year-old PLO deputy Mahmoud Abbas as his preferred prime minister. Mr Arafat agreed to the creation of a Palestinian prime minister under intense international pressure.
The Palestinian Liberation Organisation's industrial council endorsed Mr Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, but members of the Fatah coalition in the PLC differ over the amount of power the new PM should be given.
Under the proposed plan, Mr Abbas would be in charge of the day-to-day affairs of government, while Mr Arafat would remain in control of foreign affairs.
Mr Abbas has said he will decide whether he wants the job once the role has been defined.
