Top Palestinian negotiator 'resigns'

The top Palestinian negotiator with Israel, Saeb Erekat, has resigned, Palestinian officials are reporting.

Mr Erekat is said to have sent a letter of resignation late on Thursday.

The officials say the new Palestinian Prime Minister, Mahmoud Abbas - commonly known as Abu Mazen - asked Mr Erekat to allow him one week to respond.

No reason for the resignation has been given.

Mr Erekat was not part of the Palestinian delegation that is to attend a summit meeting on Saturday between Abu Mazen and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Mr Erekat has been a leading Palestinian negotiator with Israel for the last 10 years.