RAMALLAH, April 29: Moderate Mahmud Abbas was overwhelmingly endorsed by the Palestinian parliament on Tuesday as the first-ever Palestinian prime minister.

Legislators approved the dovish new premier’s cabinet line-up by a sweeping vote of 51-18. Mr Abbas boosted the international community’s expectations by calling upon militant groups to turn in weapons and end attacks on Israelis. He also pledged to reform economic and political institutions. The move was seen by the international community as a vital step toward marginalizing Yasser Arafat, but key Palestinians stressed that the veteran Palestinian leader remained in charge.

The White House immediately hailed the vote and reiterated its promise to publish the long-delayed “roadmap”.

“The president looks forward to working with the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people as well as the Israeli government and Israeli people to advance the cause of peace,” said Ari Fleischer, spokesman for George Bush.

After weeks of wrangling between Mr Abbas and his old companion-in-arms, Yasser Arafat, over the makeup of the new cabinet, the Palestinian leadership emerged jubilant from the lengthy session in Ramallah.

“I’m very happy with this democracy. I’m very happy for all those who voted for and against. I hope the government will live up to everybody’s expectations,” said Mr Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen.—AFP