Abbas says he won't run in January election

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during his participation at the summit of EU and Mediterranean rim nations July 13, 2008 in Paris, France. (Thaer Ganaim, Getty Images)

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he won't run for re-election in January elections.

Abbas is reportedly frustrated by the impasse in peacemaking with the Israelis.

Abbas has threatened in the past not to run, and it was not immediately clear whether he could be persuaded to change his mind.

Aides said Abbas received calls earlier Thursday from Israel's president and defense minister, the president of Egypt and the king of Jordan, all asking him to reconsider.

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