 The new interim Palestinian leadership has been challenged in a move that could hamper plans to succeed the late Yasser Arafat. Palestinian sources said PLO Foreign Department chief Farouq Khaddoumi has challenged the proposed appointment of a four-member team to succeed Arafat. The sources said Khaddoumi has claimed his right to succeed the PLO chairman. The four-member team has been composed of PLO Executive Council secretary Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei, Palestine National Council chairman Salim Zaanoun and Palestinian Legislative Council speaker Rawhi Fatouh. Under the Palestinian constitution, Fatouh would become PA chairman until elections were held for the post. |