Hamas completes formation of Palestinian cabinet-officials

GAZA, Mar 18 (Reuters) Hamas today completed forming a Palestinian cabinet that will put loyal members of the Islamic militant group in charge of key ministries, including interior, foreign affairs and finance, Hamas officials said.

More moderate factions, including President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement, refused to form a government with Hamas.

Hamas's inability to win coalition partners and its decision to appoint its own members to the three key ministries could bolster US and Israeli efforts to isolate the new government diplomatically and economically.

''Hamas has ended the formation of the government. The cabinet is ready to be presented to President Mahmoud Abbas in a meeting to be agreed with him,'' Hamas official spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters.

He said Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas's prime minister designate, would make the announcement at a news conference in Gaza at 1600 local 1930 hrs, although the group does not plan to unveil its line-up publicly before presenting it to Abbas.

Abbas was expected to meet with Hamas leaders in Gaza today but the timing of that meeting could change.

Abbas could object to Hamas's line-up, triggering a constitutional crisis. Hamas holds an outright majority in the Palestinian parliament.

MORE REUTERS DKS PM1608