GAZA, Feb 13 (SPA) - Palestinian election winner Hamas has chosen one of its own to be the next prime minister, a spokesman for the group said on Monday. "The prime minister will be a leader in Hamas," said spokesman Mushir al-Masri. He said a selection had been made by Hamas but he declined to disclose the name. Several sources close to the deliberations said Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas's parliamentary list, was a leading candidate for the post. Hamas, which swept Palestinian parliamentary elections on Jan 25, was expected to begin formal talks next week on forming a government. It said it hopes to draw other factions into a national unity administration. Reuters quoted Masri as saying that informal talks have already been held with some Palestinian parties but that Hamas's choice for prime minister would not be affected by the outcome of those discussions.--SPA 13 41 Local Time 10 41 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/330053