[23 February 2005] RAMALLAH,(Saba) - The Palestinian prime minister had trouble Wednesday securing a parliamentary majority for his proposed Cabinet, despite promises that he would replace corruption-tainted politicians with professional appointees.

The new lineup, due to be put to a parliamentary vote Wednesday after a two-day delay, appeared to pave the way for President Mahmoud Abbas to press ahead with a promised overhaul of the Palestinian Authority and
peace efforts with Israel.

Several legislators said they wanted to push Qureia out and would not support any Cabinet he proposes.

During years as parliament speaker, Qureia made many enemies among legislators who perceived him as doing the bidding of the late Yasser Arafat, at the expense of the legislature.

TD

SABA