Ramallah: A top aide caught at a border crossing with 3,000 illicit cellphones in his car is probably the last thing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas needs, as his approval rating is sinking over stalled peace talks with Israel.

A voter revolt against official corruption led to the election defeat for Abbas Fatah Party by the Islamic militant Hamas two years ago. The smuggling incident could be another blow to Fatah s comeback efforts.

The Abbas aide, former parliament speaker and interim Palestinian President Rauhi Fattouh, said he was unaware of the contraband and blamed his driver of several years.

In a statement late today, Abbas office said Fattouh has been suspended from his duties at his request.

The incident took place yesterday at the Israeli-controlled Allenby Bridge crossing between Jordan and the West Bank, said Peter Lerner, a spokesman for the Israeli military s top liaison with the Palestinians.

Fattouh was crossing with his car from Jordan to the West Bank, a privilege granted just to a small group of Palestinian officials with Israeli-issued VIP cards. The VIP status enables officials to move without being searched by Israeli forces, while ordinary Palestinians cross by bus and undergo extensive searches.

Lerner said Israeli inspectors decided to search Fattouh s car because they had "some indication of the situation." The inspectors found about 3,000 cellphones and 20 cartons of cigarettes, Lerner said, adding that Fattouh s driver was also questioned. Both men were released.

Source : PTI