Arafat refuses to accept Rabbo's resignation

The Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, has refused to accept the resignation of his chief negotiator in peace talks with Israel, Yasser Abed Rabbo.

In a statement to the local radio, the presidency secretary Tayeb Abdel Rahim said Mr. Arafat had full confidence in Mr Rabbo.

Yesterday, Mr Rabbo said he decided to resigned because the Palestinians were holding parallel negotiations with the Israelis in Sweden, without his knowledge.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service