Abbas: I will not seek second term

Published today (updated) 05/11/2009 21:19

Bethlehem - Ma'an -

In a speech on Thursday evening in Ramallah, President Mahmoud Abbas said he would not be seeking a second term. Confirming swirling rumors about the president's future political aims, Abbas said his decision came amid Israel's intransigence on settlements and the international community's indifference.

"I have informed the Fatah Central Committee and the Palestine Liberation Organization's Executive Committee that I will not seek a second term during the upcoming elections," he said. "I hope they understand my position."

He said the Palestinians were optimistic over what appeared to be US President Barack Obama's efforts to hold Israel accountable, but were left disappointed by its one-sided approach to peacemaking.

Fatah, PLO urge Abbas to reconsider candidacy

Published today (updated) 05/11/2009 21:01

Bethlehem – Ma'an –

President Mahmoud Abbas has stated he will not seek Fatah's nomination for next January's presidential election, Palestinian officials said on Thursday.

Fatah spokesman Fahmi Al-Zarir said that during a PLO Executive Committee meeting, Abbas announced he had had enough with "Israel's obstruction of the peace process" and its refusal to cooperate with Palestinian and international calls that it fulfill its most basic agreements, namely freezing settlements.

In an interview with Ma'an Radio, Al-Zarir added that Abbas is "upset and angry" over various internal and political matters, but particularly on "the peace process, on which the Palestinian people rely to end the Israeli occupation with Arab and international support."

"I think the international community, especially the United States and the European Union, should understand the damage done to the process over the past four years, plagued by the absence of any real achievements," he added, expressing concern over what Abbas' absence could mean for political stability in the region.

PLO leadership rejects

But Abbas remains the preferred PLO candidate for next January's elections, the secretary-general of its Executive Committee, Yasser Abed Rabbo, told reporters at a news conference in Ramallah. He said the PLO would reject Abbas' retirement from politics if the reports were confirmed.

It is the Executive Committee's assumption, the secretary-general said, that Abbas will run for president not only on Fatah's ticket, but representing every PLO member faction, as well. He said Abbas has the Executive Committee's full support, and urged the president to reconsider if he planned to step aside.

Hamas: Internal Fatah matter

The Hamas movement called the rumors an "internal Fatah matter," the Paris-based news agency Agence France-Presse reported, but in any case said the US and Israel was responsible.

"We in Hamas consider this step to be a message of rebuke to his American and Israeli friends after they ignored him and turned him into a mere tool," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said, according to AFP.

Abbas was expected to announce his January resignation in a speech on Thursday evening, according to the Palestinian Authority's official broadcaster, Palestine TV, which said it would carry the remarks live.