In an effort to improve the relationship between Fatah and Hamas through the pursuit of reconcilliation talks, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad resigned yesterday, effective at the end of the month. Hamas demanded his resignation due to his pro-U.S. stances opposed by the radical Islamic group. President Mahmud Abbas, however, requested that Fayyad continue fulfilling his duties until reconciliatory talks conclude.Some reports indicated that the resignation could assist a Hamas take-over of the West Bank.