An official says Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has fired a long-time critic from the No 2 job in the Palestine Liberation Organisation in what is seen as his latest move to sideline potential rivals.
Ahmed Majdalani, a senior PLO member, says Yasser Abed Rabbo was removed as PLO secretary general in a leadership meeting late yesterday headed by Abbas, the organisation's leader.
Abed Rabbo has criticised Abbas' policies and leadership style. Abbas has alleged in closed-door meetings that Abed Rabbo is part of a group of Palestinian politicians trying to undermine him with financial support from the United Arab Emirates.
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Participants in yesterday's session say Abbas told them he's sacking Abed Rabbo for failing to attend recent meetings and gave no other reason.
Abbas' office had no immediate comment today.
