Bahr: Abbas presidency constitutes dictatorship

First Deputy Head of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Dr. Ahmed Bahr confirmed that the positions of President of Palestinian Authority and Prime Minister being performed by the same person does not conform to the Palestinian Basic Law. Bahr said the PLC rejected the nomination of PA President Mahmoud Abbas as Prime Minister. Bahr declared to media on Wednesday that according to the Palestinian law no person may hold both positions, adding that the PLC issued a legal note affirming that it was also unconstitutional. Bahr "Palesitnian law must be respected...it is unlawful to establish a government that does not possess the confidence of the PLC." He stated that amendments to election laws must be approved from the Legislative Council as well. Bahr stated the concentration of so much power into Abbas's hands would mean a dictatorship. "Performing such amendments must be decided after a meeting of the Legislative Council to carry out a change in basic law. We cannot support devoting the authority to one person," he said. As for the possibility of securing a PLC majority to for the sake of MPs under detention, Bahr said: "We are able to secure this majority from the free – not detained - MPs of all the parties. All what we lack is determination as I think Fath Movement lacks it, the fact that prevented Dweik earlier from joining the council." Regarding the reason why the PLC convened but not in its entirety at the beginning of February as agreed in the reconciliation agreement, Bahr explained that the Presidency of the Council called for an urgent session to discuss the issue of the detention of the Council President and other PAs. "I agreed with Fatah to attend but Fatah did not adhere." he said. Bahr called for giving priority to the reactivation of the Legislative Council, and not to let the objective be submerged by personal, party or factional goals. "We showed readiness to meet with Fatah under the parliament dome or at any of our personal homes to discuss ways to reactivate the Legislative Council. Bahr confirmed that he who wants to overstep the Legislative Council should bear the responsibility in front of God and in front of the Palestinian people and the Arab nation and that he resembles in some way or another the occupation that aims to paralyze and demolish the Council. He wondered what the reason for the unwillingness to come to the council could be. Is it because Hamas constitutes the majority? Is it because this majority will not approve any agreement that may bring shame and disgrace to our people? Is it because the legislative council safeguards the Palestinian cause?" "Our hearts are open to every one until we achieve the desired welfare to the Palestinian people. This is our policy and that is our religion," finished bahr