[May 18, 2008] Israeli lawmaker: Abbas to resign if no progress in peace talks within six months Tweet (Associated Press WorldStream Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) JERUSALEM_An Israeli lawmaker says Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is threatening to resign if peace talks don't begin to make progress. The office of dovish lawmaker Yossi Beilin says Abbas made the threat during a meeting Sunday in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheik. A spokeswoman says Abbas told Beilin he would step down if there is no substantial progress in peace talks in the next six months. Beilin is a strong proponent of reaching an agreement with the Palestinians. He was in the Egyptian resort on Sunday for a meeting of the World Economic Forum attended by U.S. President George W. Bush. The Palestinians have complained that U.S.-backed peace talks are not making any progress. But Bush says he remains committed to forging an agreement before he leaves office early next year. Copyright ? 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]