Top Palestinian negotiator resigns as rift widens

THE chief Palestinian peace negotiator submitted his resignation yesterday, signalling deep divisions within the Palestinian camp.

This comes as leaders prepare for a major summit with the Israeli prime minister today Saeb Erekat, who serves as cabinet minister in charge of negotiations with Israel, sent a letter of resignation late on Thursday, a Palestinian official said on condition of anonymity.

The new Palestinian prime minister, Mahmoud Abbas, asked Mr Erekat to allow him one week to respond to the resignation letter, the official said.