By BRADLEY KLAPPER
FILE – In this Tuesday, June 28, 2011 file photo, Palestinian Prime Minister Salaam Fayyad speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Palestinian officials say Fayyad has officially submitted his resignation, and is waiting for a reply from President Mahmoud Abbas.(AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed, File)
TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says he hopes the Palestinians pick a new prime minister who can work with the United States and “establish confidence” in the Palestinian government.
Salaam Fayyad, who resigned on Saturday, was seen as one of the Palestinians’ most moderate and respected figures. Kerry called Fayyad a “good friend” who made a big difference for the Palestinians.
Fayyad’s resignation comes as Kerry works to revive the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Kerry is trying to help revitalize the Palestinian economy and Fayyad was expected to play a major role.
Kerry said Sunday in Tokyo that he believed Fayyad would still play a role in Palestinian politics.
Fayyad and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (mahk-MOOD’ ah-BAHS’) had been in dispute over the extent of the prime minister’s power.
