WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama’s key Middle East adviser Dennis Ross said on Thursday he would resign after a period of turmoil in the Arab world and a difficult period in US relations with Israel.

Mr Ross, a veteran US peace negotiator, said in a statement he had made a promise to his wife to return to private life after two years in the administration -- and had outstayed that promise by a year.

Ross said in a statement that he was returning to private life with “mixed feelings”. “It has been an honour to work in the Obama administration and to serve this president, particularly during a period of unprecedented change in the broader Middle East.

“Obviously, there is still work to do, but I promised my wife I would return to government for only two years and we both agreed it is time to act on my promise.—AFP