Abbas appointment provokes press

Press commented on the symbolic nature of Abbas's succession of Yasser Arafat

Commentators in the Arab press highlighted the "symbolic" nature of Mahmoud Abbas' appointment to a nominal post last held by Yasser Arafat.

Some quarters of the press used his election by the Palestinian Authority as an opportunity to criticise Hamas for their refusal to recognise the move.

In Lebanon and Jordan, there was concern that the unilateral nature of the decision taken by the Palestinian Authority, without reference to either Hamas or a popular vote, would further divide the Palestinian factions.

HANI AL-MASRI IN PALESTINIAN DAILY AL-AYYAM

In a surprising step, the Palestinian Central Council appointed President Abu Mazen [Mahmoud Abbas] as president of Palestine. This position has been vacant since the death of the late president, Yasser Arafat. This symbolic step does not bear much significance as the state has not yet been established. Nevertheless, its importance stems from its particular timing and its attempt to enhance President Abu Mazen's legitimacy.

AHMAD ZIBAN IN QATAR'S AL-RAYAH

The Palestinian Central Council's unanimous election of Abbas as president¿ is illusory as a president has been elected to head a state which does not actually exist.

EDITORIAL IN PALESTINIAN AL-QUDS

Hamas responded to [the appointment] by saying that the council does not have the power to elect a president and hence the decision is not legitimate. It also adhered to its rejection of holding simultaneous elections... If it says that it represents the Palestinian majority, then why does it oppose the simultaneous elections if it is confident it will win?

HAFITH AL-BARGHUTHI IN PALESTINIAN AL-HAYAT AL-JADIDAH

Hamas wants to gain control of Palestinian decision-making either through dialogue or by the force of arms. [Hamas] has not read the history of the Palestinian revolution and how it fought ferociously to preserve its independent decision-making.

URAYB AL-RINTAWI IN JORDAN'S AL-DUSTUR

What happened can only be considered as a prelude to other unilateral steps to come. These steps are expected to begin with snap elections in the West Bank and not in Gaza - with Israel's approval as long as Hamas does not take part this time.

SATI NUR AL-DIN IN LEBANON'S AL-SAFIR

This is the same as the Lebanese scenario but is being repeated by our Palestinian brothers. It is a fierce internal conflict over the best way to consolidate the national project.