Abbas will not seek re-election

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Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has announced that he will not seek re-election in polls in January, reports BBC.
In a televised speech, Mr Abbas said the impasse in efforts to resume peace negotiations with Israel had prompted his decision not to run again. But he reiterated his belief that peace with Israel was "still possible".
Correspondents say Mr Abbas could stay in post for some time, however, as the election may be postponed because Hamas says it will not allow a vote in Gaza.
The White House meanwhile hailed Mr Abbas as a "true partner" for the US, but refused US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she looked forward to working with him in "any new capacity".
Mrs Clinton said she and Mr Abbas had discussed his political future during her visit to the Middle East last week.
"He reiterated his personal commitment to do whatever he can to achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict... I look forward to working with President Abbas in any new capacity in order to help achieve this goal," she said.
Speaking in Ramallah, Mr Abbas announced that he had no intention of standing in the presidential election scheduled for 24 January in the West Bank and Gaza.
"I have informed brothers in the PLO and Fatah that I do not wish to present my candidacy in the forthcoming presidential election," he said.
"This decision does not at all amount to bargaining or political manoeuvring... It is worth noting that I shall take other steps when the time comes."