Palestinian ambassador responds to Hamas criticism of appointment of vice president

The appointment of Hussein al-Sheikh to the post of Vice president of the State of Palestine was a legitimate and justified step taken in response to international demands, his Ambassador to Russia, Abdel Hafiz Nofal, said in an interview with Izvestia.

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Earlier, on April 26, the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) approved the creation of a new institution of power — the post of Vice President of Palestine. Hussein al-Sheikh, a member of the Fatah Central Committee and secretary of the PLO Executive Committee, was appointed to this post.

"The official decision of the Palestinian leadership has been made. This decision is legitimate, justified and made through the Palestinian Central Council. This happened in response to international demands," Abdel Hafiz Nofal told Izvestia.

The Palestinian ambassador noted that all the actions of the leadership were taken within the framework of legitimate procedures: the decision of President Mahmoud Abbas was based on the recommendations of the Central Council, and he did not act alone.

"Why should President Abbas or the Palestinian leadership consult with Hamas about their political moves? Hamas is not a member of the Executive Committee. He is not a member of the PLO, despite all the attempts we have made on this issue," the diplomat told Izvestia.

Earlier, the Hamas movement sharply criticized Ramallah, calling the appointment of al-Sheikh an imposition of an external agenda on Palestine.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

Sheikh and Mat: the appointment of a new vice president was explained in Palestine