Jerusalem: Palestinian President Mahmoud
Abbas' decision to not seek re-election could trigger a
political crisis, Israeli leaders have warned, with President
Shimon Peres saying "Palestinians would lose their chance for
an independent state" if he exits.
Abbas, leader of the moderate Palestinian faction Fatah,
announced yesterday that he will not be running for
re-election in January, saying he was frustrated over lack of
progress with Israel on the peace process.
Israeli President Shimon Peres telephoned Abbas before
his announcement in an effort to persuade the Palestinian
leader to change his mind.
"If you leave the Palestinians would lose their chance
for an independent state," Peres told Abbas, adding, "The
situation in the region would deteriorate. Stay, for the
Palestinian people's sake".
Aides to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to
comment on Abbas' announcement, but the premier has said in
private meetings that it was in Israel's interest to have a
strong Abbas, daily Ha'aretz reported.
Netanyahu made similar statements to US Secretary of
State Hillary Clinton a week ago, saying that it was in
Israel's interest to strengthen Abbas as much as possible.
"Of the existing alternatives, if we want an agreement
with the Palestinians then Abbas is the best partner,"
Netanyahu said a few days ago.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, November 06, 2009, 16:39