New Palestine government should prepare for legislative, presidential elections: President Abbas

By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) - The new Palestinian government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa, should prepare for holding legislative and presidential elections in all Palestinian governorates, especially in East Jerusalem, President Mahmoud Abbas said on Sunday.

Abbas's remarks came on the occasion of the new government's swearing-in ceremony, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

The new Palestinian government was sworn in on Sunday evening, succeeding the government of Mohammed Shtayyeh who resigned in February.

The new government’s “tasks include unifying the nation’s institutions, maximizing relief and reconstruction efforts in Gaza and the West Bank, and reviving the economy,” Abbas said.

“The government must prepare for legislative and presidential elections in all governorates of the homeland, with East Jerusalem at the forefront,” he added.