RAMALLAH, West Bank: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in a televised speech on Thursday he does not want to run for another term in January elections, blaming a stalemate in Mideast peace talks on Israel and the United States.
“I have told the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Central Committee of the Fatah party that I do not wish to run in the next elections,” Abbas said.
“This is not a stunt. I hope that everyone will understand this decision and I will take further steps in this regard.”
Palestinian officials had earlier said that Abbas’ decision was motivated by his disappointment in US efforts to halt Israeli settlement construction, which he had said must happen before the resumption of peace talks.
Abbas did not connect the decision directly to the stalled peace process, but said he was “surprised” by Washington’s apparent decision not to insist on a complete Israeli settlement freeze.
“We welcomed it, and were optimistic when (US) President (Barack) Obama announced the need for a complete halt to settlements including natural growth,” he said. “We were surprised by his (later) support for the Israeli position. The problem that needs to be solved is that Israel and the current government rejected all of this.”
Abbas insisted, however, that he still believed in the possibility of a negotiated two-state solution with Israel.
“The two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security is still possible,” he said.
In Washington, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Abbas has been a “true partner” of the United States.
“We have tremendous respect for President Abbas, he has been an important and historic leader for the Palestinian people and a true partner for the United States,” said Gibbs.
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officials rejected the 74-year-old leader’s resignation offer during an executive committee meeting early Thursday, members who were present said. “The president insists on not running in the election,” one PLO official told Reuters.
