Israel delaying transfer of Jericho to PA

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I can hardly wait for the "peace talks".

Israel decided Monday to postpone handing over security control of the West Bank city of Jericho to the Palestinian Authority due to a dispute over details of the transfer, which had been planned for Tuesday.

In meetings Monday, Israeli and Palestinian officials were unable to resolve a disagreement about the size of the territory that will be handed over and the placement of Israel Defense Forces roadblocks around Jericho.

The Palestinians wanted to define the territory as it is described in the Oslo Accords, whereby the village of Uja, located north of Jericho, would be under full Palestinian control. They also called for a removal of the roadblocks in a way that would allow free movement from the West Bank city of Ramallah to Bethlehem. Israel has refused both requests.

Meanwhile, top-level Israeli and Palestinian negotiation teams were slated to meet Monday night to discuss peace talks. The Israeli side will be headed by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's adviser Dov Weisglass, and PA Minister Saeb Erekat will lead the Palestinian team.

Haaretz

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