Israeli handover of Tulkarm delayed

Israel's handover of a second West Bank city, intended as a gesture to strengthen Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, may be delayed after talks hit a snag on Sunday over security arrangements.

Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz told reporters earlier on Sunday that Israel would transfer security control over Tulkarm to the Palestinian Authority on Monday.

Talks on the transfer between local military commanders hit a snag over Israel's refusal to give Palestinians control of several villages near Tulkarm, which were under their authority before the Palestinian uprising began four-and-a-half-years ago.

"I hope that things will be resolved soon," Said Abu Fasha said, commander of Palestinian security forces in Tulkarm.

He said political leaders from both sides would try to resolve the dispute and local commanders would meet again on Monday.

He did not rule out the possibility the transfer might take place later in the day.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200503/s1328320.htm

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) - Israeli and Palestinian negotiators reached agreement Monday on handing over control of the West Bank town of Tulkarem to Palestinian security forces, Israeli defense officials said.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the two sides would sign an agreement later in the day, and the pullout would begin shortly thereafter.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4881456,00.html