Prime Minister Ehud Barak (L) listens as President Moshe Katsav, holding Barak's resignation letter, makes a brief statement in the president's residence in Jerusalem December 10, 2000. Barak had handed Katsav his letter of resignation earlier as they two men met in private before appearing live on television when they both made short statements. Barak's resignation takes effect in 48 hours and sets the stage for snap elections in 60 days.

JWH/WS