Barghouti in custody (AP file photo)
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| By: Associated Press |
| Published: December 12, 2004 |
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In Ramallah, Marwan Barghouti's associates called a news conference to read a letter from his prison cell. The letter was harshly critical of the Fatah leadership, but Barghouti threw his support to Abbas.
Ahmed Ghneim, who read out the letter, said Barghouti would drop out of the race.
Barghouti's wife, Fadwa, was to formally withdraw his candidacy on Monday.
In the letter, Barghouti made a list of demands of Abbas. He rejected moves to disarm militant groups _ a key Israeli demand _ and said no agreement should be made without release of all prisoners. He did not present the demands as conditions for his support.
Israel has said Barghouti, serving five life terms after convictions in deadly Palestinian attacks, will not be freed.
Barghouti was the West Bank leader of Fatah when he was captured by Israeli forces in 2002. Since Fatah nominated Abbas, Arafat's longtime deputy, as its candidate, Barghouti registered to run as an independent, drawing harsh criticism from Fatah faithful for splitting the party.
Polls last week showed Barghouti and Abbas running a close race.
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