How Abbas handpicks his ambassadors
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas selects ambassadors based on their loyalty to him rather than their interest in furthering the Palestinian cause.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) is switching up some important diplomatic appointments, including its ambassadors to the United States and United Kingdom, causing speculation as to why, and once again raising criticism of the way ambassadors are named.
The Palestinian Maan News Agency wrote Oct. 18 that PA President Mahmoud Abbas reached the decision to change the diplomatic lineup after consulting with Foreign Minister Riyad Malki. Since then, Abbas has appointed new ambassadors to the United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Abbas named his strategic affairs adviser, Husam Zomlot, as ambassador to the United States to replace Maen Areikat, who will now move to London. Areikat replaces Manuel Hassassian, who has not been reappointed at this time. Areikat had an agenda jammed with political events in the United States as part of the PA’s global action to confront Israel. The PA may be seeking to use Areikat’s experience in political events and activities in London, and thus Europe, to which the PA attaches great importance.
Zomlot's appointment to the United States might have exceptional significance because of the large role the United States has played in trying to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Zomlot was appointed based on the recommendations of Palestinian leaders due to his relations with the United States and other Western states, and his pivotal role in meetings with US leaders and official delegations visiting Palestine. Zomlot told Al-Monitor he prefers to wait until he officially moves to Washington before making any statements.
