The Last Word: Ziad Abu Amr; Looking for a Fresh Start.(Interview)

Ziad Abu Amr is ready to jump back into the fray. the well-respected veteran negotiator and independent politician is on the shortlist to become the new foreign minister for the Palestinian Authority. His nomination is part of a broader effort by Palestinians to end the devastating economic sanctions placed on the West Bank and Gaza by the international community after Hamas took

control of the government last January. The 56-year-old Abu Amr, who holds a political science degree from Georgetown, is up to fill one of three posts--the others being that of finance minister and the prime minister--which are supposed to be vacated by Hamas members. He spoke to NEWSWEEK's Michael Hastings at his office in Gaza. Excerpts:

Hastings: So, do you want the job?

Abu Amr: It depends. It's not up to me. I need to be asked. My answer depends very much on my conviction whether this government will be able to take off or not. But there is a great sense of hopefulness that we are about to have a breakthrough to form a government that will be able to end the siege.

After months of deadlock, why are you more optimistic now?

Because I am involved in the negotiations and see the keenness on parts of the various sides to make this effort of forming a new government successful. And of course we know the parameters and basis for the new government. We are talking about a new prime minister who will be acceptable to Palestinians and the rest of the world, and we are talking about the political program that is also acceptable to the rest of the world. We are looking into a government with people who are highly qualified, who can do the job. The ingredients for a breakthrough are there and the likelihood of ending the siege is very high.

The three people mentioned for the new cabinet, yourself included, studied in the United States. How will this affect the Palestinian view of America?