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Hamas completes formation of Palestinian cabinet

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-03-18 19:44

Abdel-Razeq, a professor at an-Najah University, headed Hamas's election committee for the West Bank. He was arrested by Israeli forces early in January and was released three days ago, Hamas sources said.

FUNDING

The United States and Israel have vowed not to provide any money directly to a Hamas-led Finance Ministry, which is responsible for paying the salaries of about 140,000 Palestinian Authority employees and security forces.

As many as one in four Palestinians is dependent on wages from the Palestinian Authority.

Donor countries are looking into the possibility of setting up a trust fund that would pay salaries directly to Palestinian Authority employees as a way to bypass a Hamas-led Finance Ministry, Western diplomats said on Friday.

Hamas's choice for foreign minister will be Mahmoud al-Zahar, a top leader in Gaza whom Israel has tried to assassinate, Hamas sources said.

Another Hamas leader, Saeed Seyam, would become interior minister, giving him control over three Palestinian security agencies, the sources added.

Hamas has carried out nearly 60 suicide bombings against Israelis since a Palestinian uprising began in 2000 but has largely adhered to a ceasefire forged a year ago. It has said talks with Israel would be a waste of time.