I will not seek re-election - Abbas - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

I will not seek re-election - Abbas

Share Share this article Email this article Print this article
Related Articles
Suggested Topics

06 January 2009

The Palestinian president has said he does not want to run for re-election in the January polls.

Mahmoud Abbas said the stalemate in peace negotiations with Israel prompted his decision not to run again.

He charged the US with backtracking on its Middle East policy and refusing to press Israel to freeze construction in its West Bank settlements.

In a televised speech, Mr Abbas said he had told his "brothers" in the Palestinian leadership of his "desire not to run in the upcoming elections".

Officials from Abbas's Fatah Party said they had no leading candidate to replace him.

Despite the announcement, activists believe Mr Abbas could be persuaded to change his mind.

Share Share this article Email this article Print this article
Related Articles

Top stories in News in brief

Pc blinded by Moat was found hanged
Pc David Rathband was found hanged at his home in Northumberland
I did ride police horse - Cameron
Five convicted over prison riot
Tears shed at murdered girl funeral
Riots: two guilty of student attack

News in brief in Pictures

Top stories in News in brief

Pc blinded by Moat was found hanged
Pc David Rathband was found hanged at his home in Northumberland
I did ride police horse - Cameron
Five convicted over prison riot
Tears shed at murdered girl funeral
Riots: two guilty of student attack

News in brief in Pictures

SPONSORED FEATURES

The O2

Check out the cool stuff happening under our tent such as the hottest gigs, comedy, sport, films, clubs, bars, restaurants and much more.

Find a home Teaching Jobs Cisco
Silverstone trip Martini

A home to be proud of with Halifax

Download the Halifax's brilliant, free new Home Finder app, and take all the pain out of finding your dream home.

The O2 Teaching Jobs Cisco
Silverstone trip Martini

Can you imagine a career in teaching?

Be inspired to teach - let real teachers show you how rewarding the job can be.

The O2 Find a home Cisco
Silverstone trip Martini

Playing a game-changing role during the Games

Cisco is providing the solutions for London 2012's complex IT needs.

The O2 Find a home Teaching Jobs
Silverstone trip Martini

Win a Silverstone track day with Zantac 75

Feel the burn of a different kind - 20 Silverstone motoring experiences to be won

 

The O2 Find a home Teaching Jobs
Cisco Martini

Celebrate with MARTINI®

This weekend toast one royal with another and make your Jubilee sparkle with a MARTINI Royale.

 

The O2 Find a home Teaching Jobs
Cisco Silverstone trip
Don't Miss
Rock star: Erin Wasson

Rock star

Erin Wasson is the ultimate anti-supermodel
Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner … Happy anniversary, Ma’am

Happy anniversary

The monarchy has become stronger and more respected in the past 60 years
Victoria Coren: My obsession with children, five proposals a week and why David and I are no power couple

Victoria Coren

David Mitchell and I are no power couple
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party

Summer party

Stars at the The Royal Academy of Arts
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
The Glamour Awards - stars turn on the style

Glamour Awards

Stars turn on the style
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party

Garden party

Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink
FIRST review of Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi blockbuster Prometheus

First review

Is Ridley Scott's Prometheus any good?
Fair-weather goths

Fair-weather goths

The sultry shades of summer darks are coming out of the shadows
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity