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Barghouti Backs Abbas in Palestinian Race
By MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH Associated Press Writer
Jailed Palestinian uprising leader Marwan Barghouti dropped out of the race to replace Yasser Arafat on Friday, agreeing to support the candidacy of interim leader Mahmoud Abbas in a move intended to head off a split in the ruling Fatah movement.
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Barghouti's decision not to run in the Palestinians' presidential election Jan. 9 was a big boost for Abbas, a pragmatist who opposes violence and appears to have the tacit support of Israel and the United States. Fatah's old-time leaders had feared Barghouti's popularity among younger activists could carry him to victory - or help other candidates by dividing the Fatah vote, although no other serious candidates have entered the race so far. Barghouti made his decision after Fatah announced that its long-delayed internal elections would be held next summer, a move clearly intended to appease the movement's increasingly restless young guard who feel they have been denied deserved roles in the top leadership.
Posted by: Fred 2004-11-27 |
