WAFA RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories (AFP) - Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas accepted Premier Salam Fayyad's resignation on Saturday, an official in the President's office told the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

Mr Abbas tasked Mr Fayyad with the role of caretaker for the current government until a new prime minister is appointed, another Palestinian official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Mr Fayyad presented his resignation to Mr Abbas in a half-hour meeting.