Mahmoud Abbas

Mahmoud Abbas (Arabic: محمود عباس) (born March 26, 1935), commonly known as Abu Mazen (ابو مازن), was elected President (Ra'ees) of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) on January 9, 2005 and took office on January 15, 2005.

Related Topics:
Arabic - March 26 - 1935 - Elected - President - Palestinian National Authority - January 9 - 2005 - January 15

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Abbas is a leading politician in Fatah. He has served as Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), since November 11, 2004, after Yasser Arafat's death. He served as the first Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority from March to October 2003 when he resigned amid a power struggle with Arafat. Before being named Prime Minister, Abbas led the PLO's Negotiations Affairs Department. His reputation in the West is that of a moderating influence in the Palestinian Authority, with a genuine drive towards achieving peace.

Related Topics:
Fatah - Palestine Liberation Organization - November 11 - 2004 - Yasser Arafat - Prime Minister - 2003

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His name Abu Mazen is an honorific title, expressing popular esteem within Palestinian society. It means "father of Mazen", and refers to his eldest son. It is common for Arab men to be named in this way.

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