RAMALLAH, Gaza, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas has begun preparations to enter exile, the World Tribune reported Thursday.
Palestinian sources said Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, has been in contact with several Arab governments regarding the prospect of leaving Palestinian Authority territory for exile. The sources said the preferred destinations are Egypt or Qatar.
Abbas, the sources said, has been bracing for a vote of no-confidence Thursday by the Palestinian Legislative Council. The sources said most of the 83 members either support a no-confidence motion or a compromise that would dilute Abbas' authority.
For the last two weeks, Abbas, and PA Chairman Yasser Arafat have engaged in an open power struggle for control of the security agencies and that of the huge civil service sector. Arafat has used Fatah forces to block Abbas's appointments, meant to replace loyalists of the PA chairman.
The PLO Executive Committee has drafted a settlement under which Arafat would head a new five-member national security council.
