RAMALLAH, Jan. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- A senior Palestinian official said on Saturday that a new cabinet will be presented before the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) for approval in two weeks.

   Palestinian Cabinet Secretary Hassan Abu Lebda told reporters that discussions on the new cabinet between Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei are likely to end soon.

   Abu Lebda said Abbas have held several meetings with Qurei about important ministry posts, including ministers of the interior and foreign affairs.

   There will be some changes in several portfolios in the new cabinet, he said.

   In addition, well-informed sources said Abbas and Qurei have agreed on assigning Nasser Youssef as interior minister, replacing Hakam Balawi. Both are members of the Fatah Central Committee.

   The sources said the interior minister will be in charge of security apparatuses.

   The Palestinians expect Abbas to accelerate reforms in the Palestinian National Authority, fight corruption and restore security and law in the Palestinian territories. 

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