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Palestinian rivals 'agree new PM' Palestinian rivals 'agree new PM'
(about 1 hour later)
The two main Palestinian factions have reportedly agreed on a candidate for prime minister, in an important step towards forming a new government.The two main Palestinian factions have reportedly agreed on a candidate for prime minister, in an important step towards forming a new government.
Representatives of Hamas and Fatah are said to have chosen Muhammad Shbeir, an academic from Gaza who is close to Hamas but says he is not a member.Representatives of Hamas and Fatah are said to have chosen Muhammad Shbeir, an academic from Gaza who is close to Hamas but says he is not a member.
Both Hamas and Fatah say they hope a new cabinet will emerge within weeks.Both Hamas and Fatah say they hope a new cabinet will emerge within weeks.
The BBC's Gaza correspondent says their aim is to pick technocrats who will present a moderate face to the world.The BBC's Gaza correspondent says their aim is to pick technocrats who will present a moderate face to the world.
The two sides have been deadlocked for months over the formation of a national unity government acceptable to the West.The two sides have been deadlocked for months over the formation of a national unity government acceptable to the West.
Sanctions on the new Hamas-led administration were imposed in March by Israel and Western countries, which see Hamas as a terrorist organisation.Sanctions on the new Hamas-led administration were imposed in March by Israel and Western countries, which see Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
Fraught issueFraught issue
The current prime minister, Ismail Haniya, said last week he was willing to resign if it would end a crippling Western aid boycott against its administration.The current prime minister, Ismail Haniya, said last week he was willing to resign if it would end a crippling Western aid boycott against its administration.
MOHAMMED SHBEIR Head of Islamic University in Gaza for 15 years, retired 2005Holds a doctorate in microbiology from West Virginia University, in the USHas links with Hamas officials who worked at the Islamic UniversityPosition on Israel not made public No official announcement has yet been made about agreement on a new candidate for the role. MUHAMMAD SHBEIR Head of Islamic University in Gaza for 15 years, retired 2005Holds a doctorate in microbiology from West Virginia University, in the USHas links with Hamas officials who worked at the Islamic UniversityPosition on Israel not made public No official announcement has yet been made about agreement on a new candidate for the role.
But a senior Hamas official based in Syria has told journalists that Mr Shbeir, 60, a former head of Gaza's Islamic University, had been chosen.But a senior Hamas official based in Syria has told journalists that Mr Shbeir, 60, a former head of Gaza's Islamic University, had been chosen.
If confirmed, Mr Shbeir is said to be close to Hamas - many of whose officials worked at his university - but also to have a good relationship with the Fatah party.If confirmed, Mr Shbeir is said to be close to Hamas - many of whose officials worked at his university - but also to have a good relationship with the Fatah party.
His candidacy is supported by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, head of Fatah, officials have told the Associated Press news agency.His candidacy is supported by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, head of Fatah, officials have told the Associated Press news agency.
The BBC's Alan Johnston in Gaza says it seems Mr Haniya is indeed ready to step aside as prime minister.The BBC's Alan Johnston in Gaza says it seems Mr Haniya is indeed ready to step aside as prime minister.
The idea seems to be that the new administration should be made up not of political personalities, but of experts who will present a more moderate face to the world than the current Hamas administration.The idea seems to be that the new administration should be made up not of political personalities, but of experts who will present a more moderate face to the world than the current Hamas administration.
However, it is not yet clear how it will be received, our correspondent says, and the focus will be firmly on the attitude it takes towards Israel.However, it is not yet clear how it will be received, our correspondent says, and the focus will be firmly on the attitude it takes towards Israel.
Western powers have been insisting that any Palestinian government must start by accepting Israel's right to exist.Western powers have been insisting that any Palestinian government must start by accepting Israel's right to exist.
But there are signs that at least some in the international community are now ready to be more flexible on this most fraught issue, our correspondent says.But there are signs that at least some in the international community are now ready to be more flexible on this most fraught issue, our correspondent says.