Mashaal confirms will stand down as Hamas chief
Published today (updated) 21/01/2012 17:18
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=454153

BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Hamas leader Khalid Mashaal confirmed on Saturday that
he does not seek renomination as head of the party's politburo in upcoming
elections.

A statement from Mashaal's office said the leader-in-exile told the Hamas
Shura Council that he will not stand again, but will continue to serve his
people, his movement, and the Palestinian people.

Hamas' leaders asked Mashaal to change his mind and leave the decision to
the Shura Council in accordance with the movement's higher interests, the
statement said.

An official in the movement, which rules the Gaza Strip and won Palestine's
last elections, told Ma'an earlier this week that Mashaal could not run
again as he has served the party's limit of two terms in office.

The Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said deputy
politburo chief Mousa Abu Marzouq was likely to replace Khalid Mashaal as
head of the party's politburo in the elections.

Officials told AKI on Saturday that Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh would
run against Abu Marzouq, and his recent international tour intends to raise
his profile among leaders in the region before elections.