Arafat's security adviser quits

Trusted: Mohammed Dahlan

A senior aide to the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has tendered his resignation.

No reason has been given for the decision of Mohammed Dahlan - often touted as a potential successor as Palestinian leader - and it was not known if Mr Arafat accepted the resignation.

Mr Arafat will announce a new cabinet and is standing for re-election

Until May this year, Colonel Dahlan was the head of the preventive security force in Gaza and he is regarded as one of the most powerful figures in the Palestinian security system.

His offer to resign comes ahead of the expected announcement by Mr Arafat of a new cabinet line-up, following American demands for reform.

Polls are also scheduled for January when Mr Arafat will stand for re-election as chairman of the Palestinian Authority.

Resignation reports

The cabinet resigned last month, shortly before the Palestinian parliament was to vote on a motion of no confidence in Mr Arafat's government.

There have been varying reports of why Mr Dahlan offered his resignation, including that he was unhappy at the slow pace of reform, that he did not want an official position in the Palestinian Authority and that he had hoped to be appointed Interior Minister but the job was offered to others.

However, Mr Dahlan has not issued any reasons for his decision.

He has been one of few Palestinian leaders to have the trust of American officials and - to some extent - the Israelis.