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Palestinians Turn to U.S.-Educated Professor to Lead Emerging Government (NYSun)

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - The rival Fatah and Hamas movements on Monday agreed on a candidate for prime minister of their emerging coalition government, turning to an American-educated professor to end months of infighting and help lift a painful international aid boycott.

The agreement was the strongest sign of progress in the negotiations, which have dragged on for months, but the government's acceptance by America and European Union - both key aid donors - could hinge on whether it will recognize Israel and renounce violence. Israel, like America, signaled a willingness Monday to talk to the Palestinian government if it moderates.

The compromise to make Mohammed Shabir prime minister was announced in Syria by Moussa Abu Marzouk, a top official in Hamas' exiled leadership. President Abbas of Fatah also supports the nomination, aides said.

Hamas and Fatah are hopeful that the 60-year-old Mr. Shabir, a soft-spoken intellectual with a doctorate in microbiology from West Virginia University, will help persuade Israel and the West to lift economic sanctions imposed after the Hamas-led government took office in March.

The international community says the Palestinian government must renounce violence, accept previous peace deals and recognize Israel's right to exist - conditions that Hamas repeatedly has rejected.

Mr. Shabir has never publicly voiced his positions on Israel, but colleagues describe him as pragmatic. Speaking to Israel's Haaretz daily, Mr. Shabir said he would act "realistically" if he is formally nominated.