Hamas to tap one of its own for finance post-source

GAZA, Mar 18 (Reuters) Hamas leaders have chosen one of their own to run the Palestinian Ministry of Finance, a decision that could bolster a US and Israeli campaign to isolate a Hamas-led government economically.

Hamas sources said today that the Islamic militant group would name Omar Abdel-Razeq, a prominent West Bank economics professor and Hamas election official, to the key post of Finance Minister.

The United States and Israel have vowed not to provide any money directly to a Hamas-led Finance Ministry, which is responsible for paying the salaries of about 140,000 Palestinian Authority employees and security forces.

REUTERS CS PM1357