Fatah nominates leader

RAMALLAH, West Bank – The Fatah movement nominated Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to head a transitional Palestinian government Saturday as part of a unity deal with their rivals in the Islamic militant group Hamas.

The nomination of the respected economist could ease Western concerns over the reconciliation deal, which offers Hamas an equal say in the administration that will govern until elections next year.

Fayyad, a political independent, has used his term to strengthen state institutions and has won the respect of foreign donors. But Hamas considers him a tool of the West.