JERUSALEM, June 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli senior Labor lawmaker and former speaker of the Knesset (Parliament) Avraham Burg tendered his resignation to incumbent Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin on Sunday.

    "I have received much and I am very grateful for all of it," wrote Burg in his resignation letter. Burg, who served in the Knesset for more than 16 years, has become embittered by a number of party colleagues, particularly those who favor joining a unity coalition led by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

    Burg has rejected requests from Labor Chairman Shimon Peres and other party members to reconsider taking the timeout from his political life.

    The 49-year-old was first elected to the Knesset in 1988. He served as chairman of the Knesset Education and Culture Committee in the 13th Knesset and was elected to be the speaker in the 15th Knesset. Enditem