Palestinian President: We Are Ready to Make Amendments to the Palestinian Authority

In an interview with "Reuters" in his office in Ramallah, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated that he is prepared to make amendments to the Palestinian Authority with new leadership and to hold elections that have been suspended since Hamas won the last elections in 2006, provided there is a binding international agreement that would lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state. Abbas, when asked about U.S. proposals, said that the issue is not about changing Palestinian politicians and forming a new government, but rather the problem lies in the policies of the Israeli government, which rejects any political process with the Palestinian side that could lead to an independent Palestinian state. "Reuters" noted that U.S. officials "have not suggested any names to President Abbas," and according to regional sources and diplomats, "some in Washington and Israel prefer Hussein Sheikh, the Secretary of the Executive Committee of the PLO, as a possible deputy and future successor."