DATE=8/31/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PALESTINIANS/POWER STRUGGLE (S)

NUMBER=2-307026

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Palestinian parliament has decided to postpone a vote of confidence in the government of Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas that had been scheduled for Monday. The move came amid concerns that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat was planning to oust Mr. Abbas and appoint a successor. Ross Dunn has details from Jerusalem.

TEXT: The Palestinian Legislative Council decided to put off the vote of confidence in Mr. Abbas's government until Thursday.

The decision follows reports that the U-S administration had intervened and asked for the delay to give Mr. Abbas time to muster more support.

He is under challenge from Mr. Arafat, who reportedly wants to use the vote of confidence to have the Palestinian prime minister replaced.

Israel Radio, quoting Israeli officials, reported that U-S officials have told the Palestinian leadership that if Mr. Abbas's government falls, the United States would withdraw its support for the internationally backed Roadmap to Peace plan for the Middle East.

The plan, which is backed by Russia, the European Union, the United Nations, and the United States, calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state by 2005. (SIGNED)

NEB/RD/ALW/RAE