Appointed councils will replace elected ones in West Bank (Extra)

Middle East News

Dec 1, 2008, 14:27 GMT

Ramallah - The Palestinian Authority (PA) will appoint new local councils to replace elected ones in 26 West Bank cities, towns and villages, said government spokesman Riad Malki on Monday. Speaking in a press conference after the weekly Palestinian cabinet meeting, Malki said the government has decided to appoint councils in these areas when the terms of the current elected councils end on December 23. 'The conditions are not ripe for holding new local elections,' said Malki, refusing to elaborate. Since June 2007 the Palestinian territories have been split between the West Bank, which is under PA control, and Gaza Strip, taken over by the PA's main rival, the Islamic movement Hamas. The move by the PA is seen as an attempt to end Hamas' 4-year rule over the main West Bank cities and towns. Islamists supportive of Hamas swept December 23, 2004 council elections giving Hamas virtual control over most of the major Palestinian cities and towns. Since the PA does not currently have control over the Gaza Strip, the cities there will remain under Hamas rule.

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