Palestinian prime minister Ahmed Qurei said he believed he can work with his Israeli counterpart Ariel Sharon and secure a ceasefire.
| It'll be easier after Yasser's kicked it. But even if he's on his deathbed for months, it'll be harder for him to smack his PM around. If he hangs on for awhile, Qurei may even have his power base consolidated so he can take over without a major civil war... |
"There is a chance of making a genuine difference and reaching achievements. I intend to work with your government and achieve a ceasefire. Give us a chance and an opportunity to prevent the deterioration from continuing."
| I suppose we're all willing to be surprised by now... |
Qurei, who is also known as Abu Ala, was sworn in by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat Tuesday after emergency rule was declared in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Qurei heads a nine-member emergency cabinet which is expected to seek formal approval from the Palestinian Legislative Council, or parliament, on Thursday. |