Palestinian minister tries to go

Mr Qawasmi had little experience in security matters

A key figure has submitted his resignation from the Palestinian unity government but it has been refused by the prime minister, officials say.

Interior minister Hani Qawasmi's move is the first crack to appear in the unity government formed one month ago.

The government is currently in a cabinet meeting, where the matter is being discussed.

Analysts say Mr Qawasmi is frustrated by lack of co-operation between rival security chiefs.

"He submitted his resignation to the prime minister but the latter refused and asked him to remain in his post," government spokesman Ghazi Hamad said.

Independent candidate

The month-old cabinet, which contains 25 ministers from the two main Palestinian political factions, Hamas and Fatah, and various other parties was an attempt to heal the rift between the rival factions.

Mr Qawasmi was appointed as an independent non-political figure after much wrangling between Hamas and Fatah.

His role was to oversee the principal Palestinian security services.

Analysts say that the appointment of one of Hamas's main rivals, Muhammad Dahlan, as overall national security advisor was interpreted as a snub to Mr Qawasmi's authority.

Mr Qawasmi is not a well known politician and was believed to have little experience in security matters.