The '''Executive Committee''' (PLO EC) is the highest executive body of the Palestinian_Liberation_Organization (PLO). Its 18 members are elected by the PLO Parliament, the Palestinian_National_Council (PNC), often as representatives of the PLO member factions. The Executive Committee members hold special areas of responsibility, such as military matters, foreign affairs, finance and social affairs, making their role similar to that of ministers in a national government. Elections have been held irregularly, and the last PLO Executive Committee was elected by the PNC in 1996. It is headed by the PLO Chairman. Since 2004, this is Mahmud_Abbas, the former Vice Chairman who succeeded Yassir_Arafat. ===Chairmen of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee=== * Ahmad_Shukeiri (10_June 1964 - 24_December 1967) * Yahya_Hammuda (24_December 1967 - 2_February 1969) * Yasser_Arafat"Abu Amar"(2_February, 1969 - November_11, 2004) ::(in exile in Jordan to Apr 1971; Lebanon 1971 - Dec 1982; and Tunis Dec 1982 - May 1994) * Mahmoud_Abbas "Abu Mazen"(From 29_October 2004 - present) ::(acting [for Arafat] to 11_November 2004) Category:Palestine