Military

DATE=9/6/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ABBAS/PALESTINIAN REACT (L O)

NUMBER=2-

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Palestinian officials say they will make every effort to ensure a peaceful transition to a new government following the resignation of Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas. They say the resignation should not be allowed to harm efforts to bring peace to the region. Ross Dunn has more on the story from Jerusalem.

TEXT: While many Palestinians are dismayed at the Abbas resignation, predicting it will plunge the region into further chaos, the Palestinian chief negotiator, Saeb Erekat, says the Abbas resignation should be seen as a sign of an emerging Palestinian democracy.

He admits that the Palestinian leadership is facing a "critical situation" but says there are strong prospects of continuing political stability.

Mr. Erekat points out that Mr. Abbas will continue to serve in a caretaker capacity until the formation of a new Palestinian cabinet.

He says the resignation should not prejudice the international "road map" to peace in the Middle East.

The plan, which is backed by the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations, calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state by 2005.

Some observers have said Mr. Abbas's decision to quit could effectively kill the plan.

However, Mr. Erekat says the international community should continue to push for peace and he distanced himself from the reaction of some Palestinian lawmakers who said Mr. Abbas's announcement could lead to a period of chaos.

The Israeli reaction to the resignation was that it could result in a new political crisis between Israel and the Palestinians.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon described the resignation as "an internal Palestinian matter".

The statement went on to say Israel would not deal with anyone nominated for the post by Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. (Signed)

NEB/RD/DW/RH