[Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA:
Stop the presses! The following is an exhaustive list of concrete security
achievements that Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad
announced the PA would be setting as its goals in order to enhance the
security in the area and in order to insure that the Israeli security
concessions would not be exploited by terrorists: (left intentionally blank)
Question: Why is it that when the Olmert team sat down with the others to
negotiate this announcement that they did not demand that the Palestinians
also bring something concrete to the table?
Yes - the Palestinians are going to deploy more gunmen - aka policemen. And
they said that they are going to make an effort. But while Israel has
measurable performance requirements (the number of roadblocks dismantles,
for example) the goals for the Palestinians are extremely vague. How about
a goal for the number of weapons that they cease and hand over for
destruction by a third party? How about a goal for the number of terrorists
arrested, prosecuted and sent to prison? (not just stopped for a moment and
then sent on their way) ]
DM BARAK MEETS US SECY. OF STATE RICE & PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY PM FAYYAD
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Defense Minister Ehud Barak today (Sunday), 30.3.08, met with US Secretary
of state Dr. Condoleeza Rice, at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. The two
first met privately; later, they were joined by their delegations.
Following the meeting, Defense Minister Barak held a three-way meeting with
Secy. of State Rice and Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad,
at which the three discussed various regional, diplomatic and security
issues. Defense Minister also presented a package regarding the easing of
various restrictions on the Palestinians, which he approved last week. The
package is as follows:
Easing of Security Restrictions (fabric of life, law and order)
1. Approximately 50 dirt roadblocks will be removed thus enabling vehicular
traffic between Jenin, Tulkarm, Kalkilya and Ramallah.
2. The opening of the permanent checkpoint in the Rimonim area.
3. Approval for the establishment of Palestinian police stations in B and B+
areas in order to promote law and order, after a comprehensive picture of
deployments in Judea and Samaria will have been presented.
4. The deployment of 700 police personnel in the Jenin area (following their
return from training in Jordan). Ultimate security responsibility will
remain in Israel's hands.
5. Mechanisms for issuing action permits for Palestinian forces for movement
to B areas and for movement across brigade areas, in order to better deal
with law and order, will be improved.
6. An inquiry into lifting additional roadblocks and checkpoints in Judea
and Samaria will be carried out in the coming weeks, with the intention of
completion by mid-May.
7. The delivery of 25 APC's - out of 50 - was approved.
8. The delivery of 125 vehicles and pieces of logistical equipment for the
Palestinian security forces has been approved.
9. Approval of non-lethal equipment for the Presidential Guard is under
consideration.
10. Various restrictions on the movement of public figures have been eased.
Easing of Restrictions on Businessmen
11. Various restrictions on the movement of businessmen have been eased.
12. Maximum assistance will be rendered vis-a-vis the 21-23.5.08 business
conference in Bethlehem.
13. A senior Coordinator of Activities in the Territories officer has been
appointed to deal with all issues involving the conference.
Increase of Employment in Israel
14. An additional 5,000 permits will be issued for construction work in
Israel (the current quota is approximately 18,500).
Easing of Restrictions at Crossings (fabric of life)
15. Opening of the Sha'ar Ephraim Crossing for commercial activity on
Fridays (immediate implementation).
16. Easing of pressure at the Kalandia and Rachel crossings by diverting
prisoners' visits to the Beituniya Crossing.
17. Upgrading biometric procedures.
18. Upgrading the humanitarian infrastructure at crossings.
21-23.5.08 Bethlehem Economic Conference for Investors
A. To allow the passage of businessmen from Arab countries, the United
Kingdom, Turkey, the Palestinian Authority and Israel on a VIP footing
(without checks) at Ben-Gurion International Airport, the Allenby Bridge,
the internal crossings (especially in the Jerusalem area), as per the lists
and pre-screening.
B. Israeli businessmen will be allowed to enter Bethlehem for the
conference.
C. Approval has been given for the organized movement of businessmen in
Judea and Samaria cities and into Israel (including Jerusalem and Nazareth).
D. Hours at the Allenby Crossing will be extended to 24:00 on 20.5.08 and
24.5.08.
Advancing the Establishment of Industrial Zones in Jericho, Hebron and
Mukibla
A. The Tarkumiya Industrial Zone in the Hebron District - the goal is to
move the "Ankara idea" from the Erez Industrial Zone to Judea and Samaria.
The zone will received Turkish financing.
B. An industrial zone will be established for the processing and marketing
abroad of Palestinian agricultural produce. The Japanese industrial zone in
Jericho will be established close to the city. Japan, the Japanese
International Cooperation Agency and Jordan will be involved.
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