Palestinian Central Council elects former interim president, Rawhi Fattouh, as speaker of the National Council

The Palestinian Central Council, the second-highest decision-making body in the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), today elected Rawhi Fattouh as speaker of the National Council, the highest decision-making body in the PLO, replacing the veteran Salim Zanoun, who resigned today after serving as speaker since 1993.

Fattouh, 73, who served as interim president of the Palestinian Authority in 2004 following the sudden death of former president Yasser Arafat and before Mahmoud Abbas was elected as president in January 2005 and also as speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council between 2004 and 2006, was elected by 105 votes. He was the ruling Fatah’s nominee to fill the post following the resignation of Zanoun.

The Central Council also elected two deputy speakers, Ali Faisal and Mousa Hadid, to replace outgoing deputy, Father Constantine Qarmash, who also resigned today, and the deceased Taysir Qubaa, and Fahmi Zaarir was elected as secretary.

President Abbas commended Zanoun, 88, for his role in leading the National Council, saying he was one of the founders of the Palestinian revolution and Fatah movement.

The Central Council opened last night its 31st session in Ramallah with a speech by President Mahmoud Abbas. Its meetings are continuing today at the presidential headquarters.

Source: Palestinian News & Information Agency