Palestinians Take Over Jericho

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C3EBB7:2F72C9D

Israel returns Jericho to Palestinian security control, a
confidence-building measure aimed at getting peace talks back on track

Palestinian Major General Ahmed Eid, center, gestures next to Israeli
army officers during the handing over of control in JerichoIsrael has
returned Jericho to Palestinian security control, a
confidence-building measure aimed at getting peace talks back on
track. Jericho is the first of several West Bank cities to be handed
over.

The handover was agreed in principle, last week, but the exchange was
delayed by disagreement over the dismantling of Israeli checkpoints.

In a compromise, Israel dismantled one barrier, Wednesday, but two
others are to remain in place for another month. Jericho is the first
of five towns to be handed to the Palestinians, under terms of an
agreement reached at a meeting between Israeli and Palestinian leaders
in Egypt, last month.

Jericho sits some 300 meters below sea level in the Jordan River
valley, just a few kilometers from the Dead Sea. It has been a quiet
place and rarely figured in the Israeli-Palestinian violence of the
past 4.5 years.

Israeli travel restrictions have severely hampered daily life in the
West Bank and Gaza Strip, during this time. Palestinian officials hope
the removal of barriers and the return of Palestinian security forces
to the streets will send a positive message to ordinary Palestinians
that an informal truce with Israel is beginning to pay off.

Tuesday, Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz warned the Palestinians
against releasing militants jailed in Jericho, including Ahmed Saadat,
who Israel says ordered the assassination of a government minister in
2001.

The West Bank town,Tulkarem, is next on the list to be returned to
Palestinian control, to be followed by nearby Qalqiliya. No date has
been set for the handover of the remaining two - Bethlehem and
Ramallah.

The largest Palestinian city, Nablus, is not on the list. Neither are
Hebron and Jenin. Israel considers the three to be centers of militant
activity and the source of most of the suicide bombers and others who
have attacked Israel.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is in Cairo for talks
with militant leaders on a proposed a one-year stop to attacks on
Israeli targets.

Some Palestinian militants are demanding Israel release prisoners and
stop targeted killings of militant leaders, in exchange for their
promise of a ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says a temporary halt in attacks
is not enough to resume peace negotiations. He says the Palestinian
leadership must also dismantle the militant groups.

Bush Urges Hezbollah to Disarm and Support Peace

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C3EBB2:2F72C9D

President Bush says the United States views Hezbollah as a terrorist
organization, but that the militant group can change that impression
by its own actions

President George W. BushPresident Bush says the United States views
Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, but that the militant group can
change that impression by its own actions.

Speaking with reporters at the Oval Office, President Bush urged
Hezbollah to change its ways.

"We view Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, and I would hope that
Hezbollah would prove that it is not by laying down arms and not
threatening peace," said Mr. Bush.

Mr. Bush was asked if he would support a political role in Lebanon for
the Syrian and Iranian-backed Shi'ite group. The president did not
reply directly, but said Hezbollah came to be regarded as a terrorist
organization, for what Mr. Bush termed terrorist activities in the
past - a statement that did not seem to preclude peaceful political
participation by the group in the future.

The president made clear, however, that his concerns about Hezbollah
extend beyond its influence in Lebanon.

“One of our concerns that His Majesty and I discussed is that
Hezbollah may try to derail the peace process between Israel and the
Palestinians,” said Mr. Bush.  “And it is very important that
this peace process go forward for the sake of the Palestinians, for
the sake of the Israelis and for the sake of people in the region.”

Hezbollah has demonstrated its political clout in the last week,
orchestrating large pro-Syrian rallies in Lebanon, amid continued
international pressure for a Syrian troop withdrawal from the country.
Earlier, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan repeated U.S.
demands that Syria withdraw promptly and completely so that Lebanon's
May elections can go forward without foreign interference or
intimidation.

Knesset resolution demands Pollard's release:

The Knesset passed a resolution on Tuesday demanding that the government make the US release of Pollard a condition for Israel's freeing of Palestinian prisoners.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pag...d=1110857199425

http://tinyurl.com/4u5g4

We Won't Forget Rachel Corrie: Uprising on the Anniversary of a Death:

On March 16, 2003, two Israeli soldiers drove a house-crushing bulldozer over her twice crushing her into the Gaza dirt.
http://www.counterpunch.org/weir03152005.html

===

The Killing of Rachel Corrie

Amnesty International Urges Condoleezza Rice to Support Independent Investigation
http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/document.do...5256FC50077DD71

http://tinyurl.com/5ecee

===

Family of protester killed by bulldozer suing Caterpillar:

The parents of a 23-year-old activist killed while trying to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home have sued Caterpillar Inc., the company that made the bulldozer that ran over her.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/aploca...illed%20Lawsuit

http://tinyurl.com/6xb37

Palestinians Gain Security Control of Jericho
By GREG MYRE
The move was largely symbolic but pointed to the prospect
of a broader Israeli pullback in the West Bank.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/17/internat...mideast.html?th

Lebanon's fine example - so far
To best support democratization, US can back elected leaders in Iraq,
Palestine. By Helena Cobban
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0317/p09s01-coop.html?s=hns

http://www.counterpunch.org/leupp03152005.html

The Plan is Still on Track
Bush Strategy for Syria, Lebanon and Iran
Gary Leupp

--------------------
Hezbollah Will Not Disarm, Chief Says
--------------------

The militant group's leader rejects Bush's call, citing threat from Israel, but signals it may discuss the issue with other Lebanese groups.

By Ken Ellingwood
Times Staff Writer

March 17 2005

BEIRUT — The leader of the militant Hezbollah party said Wednesday the group had no intention of surrendering its weapons despite President Bush's call for it to disarm and integrate into the political mainstream.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,2808029.story

Syria Completes First Phase of Lebanon Pullout

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C44985:2F72C9D

Announcement comes amid US, European and Lebanese opposition demands
for an end to Syria's three-decade military presence in Lebanon

Syrian troops remove tank on transporter, as they leave position in
Daher El-Baidar mountain region of LebanonLebanese security officials
say Syria has completed the first phase of its troop withdrawal from
Lebanon.

The announcement comes amid U.S., European and Lebanese opposition
demands for an end to Syria's three-decade military presence in
Lebanon.

A senior Lebanese security official told Reuters news agency all
Syrian troops and intelligence officers in Lebanon had pulled back
either to the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon or had crossed back into
Syria.

Syria began the re-deployment of its 14-thousand troops in Lebanon on
March 8th, after coming under international pressure to withdraw
following the February 14th assassination of former prime minister
Rafik Hariri in Beirut.

Meanwhile, a top Lebanese security chief says he and other security
officials are willing to stand trial to clear them of any allegations
of involvement in the assassination.

Some information for this report provided by AP, Reuters.

Palestinian Factions Agree to Continue Truce

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C44981:2F72C9D

Factions say continuation of cease-fire depends on Israel's
commitment to halt all assaults against Palestinians

Palestinian factions have agreed to extend an open-ended truce with
Israel in exchange for a halt to Israeli attacks and the release of
prisoners.

The Palestinian groups made the decision Thursday, following a meeting
with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo, Egypt. In a statement,
the groups said continuation of the cease-fire depends on Israel's
commitment to halt all assaults against Palestinians.

Mr. Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon declared a
cease-fire at a February 8 summit meeting in Egypt. Mr. Abbas met with
Palestinian militants in Cairo to persuade them to join the
cease-fire.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says Palestinians must disarm and
dismantle the militant groups, in addition to agreeing to a
cease-fire.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/u...rismforpolitics

Can Hezbollah be coaxed to trade terrorism for politics?

http://www.cuttingedge.org/news_updates/newsupdatemain.html

Arab attacks Continue, Weapons Cache Discovered

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/85D...7C9168B9553.htm

UN Sets timetable for full Syrian pullout

http://www.debka.com/article.php?aid=999

US Intelligence Takeover of Palestinian Authority

Israel: A Call for Divestment:

From 1986 to 1991 I served in the Israeli army in the occupied territories. During this period I was shocked and disgusted at what my comrades and I were repeatedly ordered to do to Palestinian civilians.
http://www.thenation.com/docprint.mhtml?i=...328&s=leibowitz

http://tinyurl.com/6979s


Hizbollah Says Will Not Lay Down Weapons:

"I'm holding on to the weapons of the resistance because I think the resistance ... is the best formula to protect Lebanon and to deter any Israeli aggression," Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah said in a live television interview with Hizbollah's al-Manar station.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?t...storyID=7923594

http://tinyurl.com/6v3f4



Yeshiva students attack Palestinians, wound at least five :

Some 40 yeshiva students from a West Bank settlement attacked a group of eight Palestinian laborers on Thursday morning, wounding at least five of them.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/553474.html



Rafah marking Corrie anniversary :

Palestinian children have marked the second anniversary of the death of US activist Rachel Corrie, killed during an Israeli army operation in Gaza.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4359325.stm



Annan's Bow at Arafat's Grave Sparks Outrage in City:

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan's decision to lay a wreath at the grave of Yasser Arafat while on his way to the dedication of a Holocaust museum in Israel is infuriating New York politicians and Jewish leaders.
http://www.nysun.com/article/10695

As Syria exits Beirut, can a pro-Syrian president remain?
As more of his backers leave Lebanon, President Emile Lahoud's future
looks increasingly shaky. By Nicholas Blanford
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0318/p04s01-wome.html?s=hns

Palestinian Factions Agree to Extend Truce With Israel
By GREG MYRE
Although the groups set conditions on Israel, their move
bolsters recent efforts to end four-and-a-half years of
fighting.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/18/internat...mideast.html?th

--------------------
Palestinian Militants Back Truce
--------------------

Hamas and others agree to extend what they call the 'calm' through 2005 but stop short of a cease-fire. Sharon calls it a positive first step.

By Laura King and Jailan Zayan
Times Staff Writers

March 18 2005

SIXTH OF OCTOBER CITY, Egypt; Palestinian militant groups agreed Thursday to extend an informal truce for the rest of the year and refrain from attacking Israel, though they placed conditions on the pledge and did not rule out a resumption of violence at some point.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,3783029.story

--------------------
Annan Wants Syria Out by Spring
--------------------

Troops and agents must exit Lebanon before parliamentary elections, U.N. chief says. Much of the force is reported to have already left.

By Maggie Farley
Times Staff Writer

March 18 2005

UNITED NATIONS; Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Thursday that Syria must fully withdraw all of its troops and intelligence agents from Lebanon before Lebanese parliamentary elections scheduled for spring, so voters will not be intimidated.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

--------------------
Nuclear Whistle-Blower Could Face Prison Again
--------------------

From Times Wire Services

March 18 2005

Israel charged nuclear whistle-blower Mordechai Vanunu with violating the terms of his release from prison by speaking to foreign reporters and trying to visit the West Bank.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Israel Welcomes Temporary Truce Declared by Militants

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C4AF71:2F72C9D

Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says Israel will refrain from military
offensives to help make cease-fire a success

Ehud OlmertIsrael on Friday welcomed a temporary truce declared by
Palestinian militants, and promised to hold its fire, but demanded
that the Palestinian Authority eventually dismantle the armed groups.

Israel's vice prime minister, Ehud Olmert, said Israel will refrain
from military offensives to help make the cease-fire a success. He
told Army Radio that the declaration made in Cairo on Thursday was
welcome, but did not go far enough.

He said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was making an effort,
adding every step that might lead to ending terrorism is a positive
step.

The 13 main Palestinian groups announced they would halt attacks on
Israel for the rest of the year, the longest-yet period of promised
calm and a success for Mr. Abbas.  

A cease-fire will be useful for Israel. It will allow its withdrawal
from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements, without the threat
of Palestinian fire. The controversial disengagement plan is expected
to be a complicated operation, accompanied by strong resistance from
Jewish settlers.

In June 2003, militant groups declared a unilateral three-month truce
that collapsed after only six weeks. This time, however, analysts say
the parties -- Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the militant
factions, Egypt and even Syria and Iran -- have an interest in making
the truce stick.

Israeli counter-terrorism analyst Boaz Ganor told Israel Radio that
the militants' announcement is welcome.  But he said that, unless
Abu Mazen, as Mr. Abbas is known, disarms the militants, no permanent
end to hostilities should be expected, and that poses a serious threat
to everyone.

"This can last weeks, this can last months, or this can last a year or
two. But at the end of the day, neither Israel nor the United States,
not even Abu Mazen himself, would agree to that [allowing militants to
remain armed], because this is a real risk to his position as the head
of the Palestinian Authority," said Mr. Ganor.

The declaration also comes as Hamas and, to a lesser extent Islamic
Jihad, are making their first forays into Palestinian politics. For
the first time, Hamas will field a slate of candidates in the
parliamentary elections scheduled for July.

Last December and January, the militant group won strong support in
local elections in the West Bank and Gaza. 

President Abbas hopes that, eventually, participation by Hamas and
other militant groups in the political process can eventually lead to
their disarming.

Annan Expects Full Syrian Withdrawal from Lebanon Before Elections

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C4AF78:2F72C9D

UN Secretary-General set deadline after briefing from Middle East
envoy, who just returned from region

Kofi Annan U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan says he expects all
Syrian troops to be out of Lebanon by May.  Mr. Annan set the
deadline after a briefing from his Middle East envoy, who just
returned from a visit to the region.

After a meeting with special envoy Terje Roed-Larsen Thursday,
Secretary-General Annan issued a statement setting a firm timetable
for the pullout of all Syrian forces from Lebanon. Spokesman Fred
Eckhard read the statement.

"The secretary-general said he expects the withdrawal of all Syrian
troops, including the intelligence apparatus and military assets, to
take place before the Lebanese parliamentary elections," said Mr.
Eckhard.

The voting is scheduled for mid-May. The secretary-general's statement
also stressed that the elections should be seen as free and fair.

Special envoy Larsen has just returned from a mission that took him to
Europe, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.  He told reporters
Thursday his briefing to the secretary-general had focused mainly on
last Saturday's meeting in Aleppo with Syrian President Bashar
al-Assad.

He said he had reached an understanding with the Syrian leader on a
two-phase withdrawal.  The first phase, he said, is already
complete.

"There is a commitment from the president of Syria to me that he will
withdraw all Syrian troops and intelligence operatives and assets to
the Bekaa Valley," added Mr. Larsen  "Two-thirds of them will
stand on the Lebanese side, one third will be put into Syria proper by
latest April 1.  And on the ground what we are seeing is that by
and large this commitment is already fulfilled."

Mr. Roed-Larsen says the second phase would involve formation of a
joint Lebanese-Syrian military committee in early April to decide on a
timeline for a complete removal of all Syrian military and
intelligence assets from Lebanese soil.

"…Which would lead to a point, if it happens, where Syria related to
these two points in the requirements, would have met their obligations
under Security Council resolution 1559," he added.

Mr. Larsen said the secretary-general expects the second phase to be
completed before Lebanon's mid-May elections.  He said there is
broad international support for the deadline.

Resolution 1559, approved last September, calls for a Syrian pullout
from Lebanon, but does not set a timetable. It also calls for
disarmament of militias in Lebanon.

Mr. Larsen says he plans to return to the region early next month, and
will file a draft report, which Secretary-General Annan is to deliver
to the Security Council April 19th.

Lebanese military sources say at least 4000 Syrian troops have already
gone home, completing phase one of the withdrawal. As many as 10,000
more remain on Lebanese soil.

Syria's Young Leader Moves to Consolidate His Power
By HASSAN M. FATTAH
Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has started a campaign to
consolidate power in the midst of the crisis over Syria's
domination of Lebanon.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/19/internat...19syria.html?th

--------------------
Israeli Leftists Suddenly Leaning Into Sharon's Camp
--------------------

Surprised by his Gaza pullout plan, liberals put aside their distrust to back the conservative prime minister against the extreme right.

By Henry Chu
Times Staff Writer

March 19 2005

JERUSALEM; For 20 years, Daniel Savitch has despised Ariel Sharon. The veteran left-winger voted against the Israeli prime minister, regards his warrior career with revulsion and openly questions Sharon's honesty and integrity.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,5106426.story

--------------------
Car Bombing in Beirut Suburb Injures Nine
--------------------

From Associated Press

March 19 2005

BEIRUT, Lebanon; A car bomb rocked a predominantly Christian neighborhood in northern Beirut early today, destroying part of a building and wounding at least nine people, police said.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

--------------------
Israel Bars Influx of Settler Supporters
--------------------

People reportedly are changing addresses to Gaza settlements to try to block evacuation.

From Reuters

March 19 2005

JERUSALEM; Israel banned its citizens Friday from moving into Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip, hoping to forestall a feared influx aimed at blocking a pullout from the occupied territory this summer.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Car Bombing Shakes Beirut Suburb

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C508E9:2F72C9D

Bomb placed under car on normally  busy shopping street of
Jedeydeh; nine injured A car bomb explosion rocked a predominantly
Christian suburb of the Lebanese capital Beirut shortly after
midnight, injuring at least nine people. VOA's Sonja Pace went to the
blast site in the Jedeydeh neighborhood Saturday morning and has this
report.

The charred, twisted remains of the car still lay in the middle of the
street, stunned residents sifted through the rubble and swept up
debris and shards of broken glass that littered the street and
sidewalks.

Lebanese army officers inspect car destroyed by bomb, Saturday The
bomb had been placed under a car on what is normally a busy shopping
street of Jedeydeh. It went off shortly after midnight, shattering
windows and badly damaging the façade of the closest apartment
building.

By mid-morning Saturday the site was cordoned off, but people came
from nearby to have a look.

One local shopkeeper who gave his name only as Hani, says he heard the
explosion, but thought it was farther away, in downtown Beirut. He
said his sister called him to tell him the bomb went off right near
his shop.

"I have a sister right in the neighborhood, so she called me about one
o'clock. She said the bomb exploded here. I came," he said.

PACE:  What happened to your shop?

"The door was out and all the glass here," Hani said.

Police were searching for clues to determine who was behind the
bombing. Even though there were no immediate answers, many people here
have their suspicions.

Lebanese saleswomen clean up shop, damaged by car bomb, Saturday
Shopkeeper Hani thinks this is a political message from either Syria
or Syrian supporters, who don't want Syrian troops to leave Lebanon.

"You know that we have a foreign army in Lebanon since 30 years and
they were always saying they if we go out of Lebanon, the war will
start again in Lebanon. Now, they are going out. That's a message, I
think so," he said. " But, believe me we are all Lebanese and we will
stand and nothing will take us down again. We will never go to war
again between each other."

Saturday's bombing has again raised concerns among many Lebanese about
the prospect of renewed violence in their country - especially after
last month's massive car bomb which killed the popular former Prime
Minister Rafik Hariri.

Political opposition groups and many average Lebanese accused the
Syrians and Lebanon's pro-Syrian government of involvement -
accusations both authorities vehemently denied. But, the assassination
has sparked a political crisis in Lebanon and massive street
demonstrations both for and against Syria's presence in the country.

Peres Says Budget Fight May Imperil Coalition
By STEVEN ERLANGER and GREG MYRE
Shimon Peres, Israel's vice prime minister, said that he is
worried about the survival of the government in a vote on
the state budget.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/21/internat...mideast.html?th

Israel Approves West Bank Settlement Expansion

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C593D0:2F72C9D

Israeli plan, approved by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, appears to
clash with the US-backed 'roadmap' peace plan Israel has
approved plans to build 3,500 new homes in the occupied West Bank, in
a move Palestinians say sabotages efforts to rekindle the Mideast
peace process.

The Israeli plan, approved by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, appears to
clash with the U.S.-backed "Roadmap" peace plan.  That plan calls
for a halt to settlement expansion on all Palestinian land captured by
Israel in the 1967 war.

There has been no U.S. comment on the move, which analysts say is
aimed at linking the settlement of Maale Adumim to greater
Jerusalem.  Israel claims Jerusalem as its eternal capital, while
Palestinians want Arab East Jerusalem as the capital of a future
state.

Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian talks are expected to continue later
today on the Israeli handover of security control in the West Bank
town of Tulkarem.

Palestinians assumed control of Jericho last week.

Some information for this report provided by AP, Reuters.

http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?Stor...21-105634-7721r

Politics and Policies: Is Syria reforming?

Israeli plan for new West Bank homes angers Palestinians :

Israel plans to build 3,500 new homes in the West Bank to cement its hold on Jerusalem, government sources said on Monday, drawing a Palestinian warning that peace efforts were at risk.
http://tinyurl.com/4jof9

Who will prevent the pogrom? :

Last week, Palestinian laborers were attacked by settlers in what the Israel Defense Forces described as an "attempted lynching." At various locations throughout the West Bank, Jewish hooligans have used guns, iron bars and hammers in an attempt to ignite the territories.
http://tinyurl.com/5n722

Israel to Expand Largest West Bank Settlement
By GREG MYRE
Critics called the expansion a violation of Israel's pledge
under the Middle East peace plan, which calls for a freeze
of all settlement activity.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/22/internat....html?th&emc=th

--------------------
Settlement Plan Disappoints Palestinians
--------------------

A Jewish housing bloc's expansion dampens celebrations of Israel's hand-over of Tulkarm.

By Laura King
Times Staff Writer

March 22 2005

JERUSALEM; Palestinians reacted with dismay Monday to Israel's announcement that it would build 3,500 more housing units in and near the West Bank's largest Jewish settlement in apparent contravention of a U.S.-backed peace blueprint.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,1936554.story

http://www.antiwar.com/orig/scheuer.php?articleid=5281

Toward a Sensible Israel Policy

Critical dispute over Jerusalem real estate
Israeli plan would expand a Jewish settlement on strategic territory.
By Ben Lynfield
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0323/p01s02-wome.html?s=hns

Premature euphoria over US-style Mideast democracy?
Middle East democracies may not result in the reforms that Washington
policymakers want and expect. By David D. Newsom
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0323/p09s02-coop.html?s=hns

Further West Bank Illegal Expansion Confirmed by Israel :

Israel has publicly confirmed plans to build 3,500 new housing units in the largest Jewish settlement in the West Bank, Maale Adumim, and Palestinians angrily responded that such an action would violate the Middle East peace plan
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/03/22/news/housing.html

Arab leaders urged not to compromise:

Thousands of Egyptian university students have urged Arab leaders, meeting at a summit in Algeria, not to compromise with Israel with regard to the Middle East peace process.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/8AD...D4A20E913BD.htm

http://tinyurl.com/52v4t

In Algiers, Arabs reject big shift on Israel :

Only 13 of the 22 leaders turned up for the gathering. Others were staying away for health reasons or because of personal disputes.
http://www.iht.com/bin/print_ipub.php?file.../Arabs-sub.html

http://tinyurl.com/4csgb

Putin vows to cooperate with Arab League on Mideast issues :

The president said Moscow is closely watching the dynamic development of the events in this region.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-03/...ent_2730969.htm

France warns Israel against new settlements :

"The pursuit of settlement building is contrary to the Road Map, which calls for a freezing (of settlements). It prejudges the result of the final negotiations," which aim to determine the boundaries between Israel and the Palestinian state.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Lan...=en&DSNO=716016

--------------------
With Lebanon, Washington Shows 'Soft' Side of Power
--------------------

By Tyler Marshall and Sonni Efron
Times Staff Writers

March 23 2005

WASHINGTON; Over dinner in Brussels last month, President Bush and French President Jacques Chirac hashed out a strategy to force a Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon that included keeping pressure on Damascus and accepting a political role for the powerful Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, diplomats said.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,5228268.story

--------------------
Tulkarm Takes the Reins, and Hopes for a More Open Road
--------------------

Israel turns over control of a second West Bank town, this time a hotbed of militancy. Thousands of ordinary Palestinians want to return to work.

By Ken Ellingwood
Times Staff Writer

March 23 2005

ANABTA, West Bank — Cars and tractor trailers roared freely along a stretch of country road here Tuesday, hours after Israeli troops opened a highway gate as part of an agreement to give Palestinian forces security responsibility in and around the town of Tulkarm.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,2547016.story

Rice Says U.S. Opposes Israeli Plan for Settlement Expansion
By STEVEN ERLANGER
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Israel's intention
to expand a West Bank settlement was "at odds with American
policy."

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/26/internat....html?th&emc=th

U.N. Report Quotes Threat By Assad to Harm Hariri:

Syrian President Bashar Assad threatened former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri with "physical harm" last summer if Hariri challenged Assad's dominance over Lebanese political life, according to testimony in a report released Thursday by a U.N. fact-finding team.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article8360.htm

http://snipurl.com/dntz


Excerpts from UN al-Hariri report:

Following are excerpts from a 19-page report by a UN fact-finding mission into the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri, killed by a bomb blast on 14 February.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/684...D500BB18F18.htm

http://snipurl.com/dnu0


Syrian Says UN Report " fragrantly biased. ":

The Syrian diplomat indicated that the Hariri was an ally to his country's government
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/...2005032516.html

http://snipurl.com/dnu1


Lebanon criticizes U.N. report into Hariri's assassination
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/2...estigation.html

http://snipurl.com/dnu3

EU Accuses Israel of Breaching Peace Road Map:

The EU expected Israel to respect its obligations under the "road map," which included a freeze on Jewish settlements in occupied territories, Solana said.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?t...storyID=8002822

http://snipurl.com/dnue

US envoy: Israel can keep big colonies:

The US ambassador in Tel Aviv has said Israel will be able retain sovereignty over large Jewish settlement blocs in the West Bank in any final-status agreement
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/663...B1616BC404D.htm

http://snipurl.com/dnuf

The rabbi who pricks Israel's conscience :

Rabbi Arik Ascherman has spent years planting himself atop doomed Palestinian homes, reading extracts of international law to Israeli forces as they demolish the buildings beneath his feet.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article8365.htm

http://snipurl.com/dnug

Israel Asks U.S. For Disengagement Money :

Israel is preparing an appeal to the United States for more than $500 million to cover ballooning costs for disengagement.
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=79019