Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has tendered his resignation to President Mahmoud Abbas.
The move comes amid increasing tensions between the two, as they battle for control and authority, The Associated Press reported. The latest dispute focused on who has the authority to hire and fire the Cabinet ministers, AP said.
Mr. Abbas has yet to respond to the offer of resignation, Palestinian officials said in the AP report. Reuters reported that Mr. Abbas wanted to fire Mr. Fayyad anyway — but Mr. Fayyad maintains strong support from the international community. His resignation could cloud the West’s relations with Mr. Abbas, Reuters said.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry had just met with Mr. Fayyad and spent considerable time trying to bolster his role as prime minister, Reuters said.
It’s not clear on when Mr. Fayyad actually offered his resignation. Unnamed sources in the AP report said he offered it in February and another, last week. But it’s been reported that Mr. Fayyad has wanted to leave office since last year.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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