Article: Arafat blocks new Cabinet Palestinian Prime Minister Qureia's choice for security chief rejected

RAMALLAH, West Bank -- Yasser Arafat delayed the formation of a new Cabinet on Tuesday by blocking his premier's choice for security chief, which will slow fledgling efforts to restart peace talks with Israel after a three-month freeze in contacts, Palestinian officials said.

Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia has assigned all Cabinet portfolios, with the exception of the interior minister, who would control the security forces, the officials said. Qureia met Tuesday with Arafat, but failed to resolve the dispute over the post.

Underlying the argument is Arafat's refusal to relinquish control over some of the security services. Qureia's candidate, Gen. Nasser Yousef, seeks broad powers.

Qureia's ...

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