Fearing Hamas, Abbas takes control over official PA media

[Behind the Aegis]

Last update - 20:48 14/02/2006

By Arnon Regular, Haaretz Correspondent

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has decided to put all the official Palestinian media, which used to be controlled by the cabinet and the Information Ministry, under his own personal control, Palestinian sources said.

According to the sources, Abbas has issued presidential orders over the last few days that gave him authority over both the Palestinian Television and Radio Authority, which is responsible for the Voice of Palestine radio station and the Palestinian satellite television station, and the Public Communications Authority, which disseminates information on behalf of the PA. He also intends to do the same with WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency.

Abbas decided to take control over the media outlets in response to Hamas's impending takeover of the government following its victory in the Palestinian elections. The ousted Fatah party has been attempting to retain control over various government institutions by transferring them from the government's control to that of Abbas, the party leader.

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