Channels

Photo: AP
Abbas. To resign at end of term
Photo: AP
Photo: Reuters
Election campaign in Jerusalem. Hamas gains in strength
Photo: Reuters

Abbas: I won't hold on to seat

Palestinian chairman says will resign post if his political plan does not succeed, adds he is proud of triumph on Jerusalem vote issue. Abbas pledges not to run for another term

Palestinian Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said Sunday he has not ruled out the possibility of resigning as Palestinian Authority leader.

 

"If my political plan does not succeed, I will not hold on to my seat,” he said, referring to the political reforms he intends to implement, to economic stabilization and to putting an end to anarchy in the PA.

 

During a conversation with the Palestinian news network, Abbas said that in any event he does not plan to run for an additional term as PA leader, after the present term ends in another three-years.

 

Abbas said he was proud that his insistence that east Jerusalem residents be allowed to vote in Palestinian elections proved successful, and that despite pressures exerted on him, Hamas will participate in the vote.

 

Fatah losing strength

 

An opinion poll published in the territories Saturday, shows Abbas’ ruling Fatah party winning the vote by a five percent margin against rival Hamas.

 

The poll showed that 35 percent of Palestinian voters back Fatah as opposed to 30 percent of respondents who support Hamas.

 

Nablus University pollsters say the margin is the narrowest between the two rivals since the first elections in 1993.

 

But experts warn that Hamas’ election ticket of fighting corruption and mismanagement could tip the balance in its favor, especially as its activists prepare to intensify campaigning over the final 10 days.

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.15.06, 23:02
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment