Next Palestinian prime minister named

RAMALLAH, West Bank, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Mohammed Mustafa, chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund, is expected to be appointed the next Palestinian prime minister, Asharq al-Awsat reported.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to make the announcement after his scheduled meeting Wednesday with Hamas chief Khaled Masha'al, Palestinian sources told the London newspaper.

The announcement would cement a deal signed in May to pave the way for a unity government, the Hebrew daily Ma'ariv reported.

The Jerusalem Post reported the meeting is expected to take place in Cairo, with talks focusing on the formation of a caretaker government that would prepare for parliamentary and presidential elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Palestinian political analyst Hani el-Masri told the Ma'an News Agency Hamas apparently has agreed to appoint Mustafa as the next prime minister, taking over from outgoing Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, who announced his intentions to step down after Hamas objected to his remaining in the post.

Mustafa is Abbas' economic adviser and is on the boards of a number of leading Palestinian companies.