BEIJING, Nov. 14 -- Palestinian parties are close to agreeing on a new prime minister who will replace Ismail Haniyeh. Negotiators from both Hamas and Fatah say they'll name Mohammed Shabir as head of a long awaited unity government.

    60-year-old Shabir headed Gaza's Islamic University until 2005 and has a doctorate in microbiology from the University of West Virginia. He is considered to be close to Hamas but not an active supporter.

    Palestinians hope a new prime minister and a unity cabinet will ease Western sanctions.

    Ismail Haniyeh said, "We agreed on the principle that the issue of the prime minister is open to discussion. We will name a prime minister who will respect the Palestinian direction, who aims to bring success to this whole project."

(Source: CCTV.com)