Hamas PM-designate expects Abbas to approve cabinet

GAZA, Mar 18 (Reuters) Hamas prime minister-designate Ismail Haniyeh today expressed confidence the Palestinian president would approve his cabinet and he also urged foreign donors not to cut off financial assistance.

Speaking at a news conference in Gaza after Hamas officials said the group had completed forming its cabinet, Haniyeh said he would present the line-up to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas tomorrow evening.

''We have no doubt in succeeding in shouldering our responsibilities and to run Palestinian affairs,'' Haniyeh said.

''I have agreed with the president to hold a meeting between the two of us on Sunday evening to present to him the final formation of the cabinet and to discuss the next steps toward presenting the government to the parliament.'' Hamas has yet to persuade any other factions to join a coalition government.

It has also decided to appoint its own members to key ministries, Hamas sources have said, which could bolster U.S. and Israeli efforts to isolate the new government diplomatically and economically.

The United States and Israel have vowed not to provide any money directly to a Hamas-led government.

REUTERS CH RN2103