RAMALLAH, Dec. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accepted resignations of six cabinet ministers who are running in the upcoming legislative elections, sources reported Saturday.

    According to the Palestinian Election Law, any official of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) must resign from post before running for lawmakers.

    Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei resigned on Thursday in order to runin the Jan. 25 elections as a candidate of Abbas's ruling Fatah movement.

    Abbas appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information Nabil Shaath as new prime minister late on Thursday. Enditem