Palestinian leadership approves of Barak's assumption of power

The Palestinian leadership expressed approval during an urgent meeting called by Palestinian President Yasser Arafat the election of Ehud Barak as Israel's prime minister and called on Barak to prove his desire to achieve progress in the peace process.

The Palestinian leadership asked Barak in a statement after the meeting to stop all settlement activities and confiscation of lands in the occupied areas.

The Palestinian leadership described these activities as the largest obstacle for the peace process.

The leadership expressed its hope for reviving the frozen peace process, resuming negotiations, implementing official agreements and fulfilling the dues of the two sides to push forward the peace process.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Minister Planning and International Cooperation Nabil Shaath, told fox news today that "we're really going to give him (Barak) a chance" adding that cooperation will be forthcoming to make peace succeed.