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SLUG: 2-303283 Palestinian Resignation (S)
DATE: NOTE NUMBER: |
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DATE=5/16/2003 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE= PALESTINIAN RESIGNATION (S) NUMBER=2-303283 BYLINE= ROSS DUNN DATELINE=JERUSALEM CONTENT= INTRO: The top Palestinian peace negotiator, Saeb Erekat, has resigned on the eve of crucial talks with Israel. Ross Dunn reports from Jerusalem. TEXT: Palestinian officials say Mr. Erekat, who was the minister in charge of peace negotiations with Israel, has given his resignation to the new Palestinian Prime Minister, Mahmoud Abbas. The resignation comes just one day before Mr. Abbas is scheduled to hold his first meeting as Prime Minister with his Israeli counterpart, Ariel Sharon. Palestinian officials say Mr. Abbas had not included Mr. Erekat in the delegation that will go to the Jerusalem meeting, and Mr. Erekat resigned in protest. Mr. Abbas has reportedly asked Mr. Erekat to allow him one week to respond to the resignation letter. Mr. Erekat has been a leading Palestinian negotiator since peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians were first launched at Madrid in 1992. He is also known as a loyalist of the Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat, who only reluctantly agreed to share power with a prime minister, following intense pressure from abroad. (Signed) NEB/RD/AWP/KBK |
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