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Abbas PLO resignation plans sparks speculation

[ssba]

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced yesterday that he would cease to serve as the chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) following upcoming elections slated for next month.

According to Palestinian officials, Abbas, who is 80 years old, told colleagues that his decision stems from a desire to make room for others at the top of the organisation. “We asked him to reconsider,” said PLO Revolutionary Council Secretary General Amin Makboul, “especially during this difficult period and in light of several individuals’ efforts to get rid of him.” Makboul also said that Abbas voiced his deep frustration of Israel and its policies vis-à-vis the Palestinians, which are inconsistent with a desire to achieve peace between the parties.

However, Yediot Ahronot reports that Abbas has threatened to quit in the past, albeit with less specificity, as the vote for electing the next chairman of the Executive Committee is to take place two weeks hence. If he lives up to his announcement, Abbas will still retain two other titles – President of the Palestinian Authority and Chairman of Fatah, the largest faction within the PLO.