"My fear is that Hamas will be too strong in the Palestinian parliament," he said.

In early September 2003, he confronted the Palestinian parliament over this issue.

His aides said the Palestinian parliament was expected to be convened within three days for a confirmation vote.

We're electing a Palestinian parliament that will make policy and pass laws.

The Palestinian parliament confirmed him, vesting him with authority to form a government.

Most have not served as ministers before and are not members of the Palestinian parliament, he said.

The Palestinian parliament should have the full authority of a legislative body.

The installation of the new Palestinian parliament on Saturday highlighted the sharp differences over how to proceed.

President Bush has said he will proceed with the peace plan, known as the road map, once a new cabinet is confirmed by the Palestinian parliament.

In early 2006, Hamas won a clear victory in the vote for the Palestinian parliament.