Mahmoud Abbas said the stalemate in peace negotiations with Israel prompted his decision not to run again. He charged the US with backtracking on its Middle East policy and refusing to press

Israel to freeze construction in its West Bank settlements. In a televised speech, Mr Abbas said he had told his "brothers" in the Palestinian leadership of his "desire not

to run in the upcoming elections". Officials from Abbas's Fatah Party said they had no leading candidate to replace him. Despite the announcement, activists believe Mr Abbas could

be persuaded to change his mind.