POLITICS: 900 Palestinian Prisoners to Be Released, page 1

As part of a two-fold plan, Israeli officials have agreed to release 900 Palestinian prisoners, as well as to withdraw forces from West Bank cities. Prisoners convicted in attacks on Israelis will not be among those freed. Details remain to be worked out at the Middle East summit that will keep alive the ceasefire agreement that has already been put into motion. Last night, in the President's State of the Union address, he made the statement that he would be ask the Congress for $350 million to be provided for political, economic and security reforms in the Palestinian territories.

news.bbc.co.uk
sraeli security sources say senior cabinet ministers agreed to a troop withdrawal from Jericho in the next few days, followed by four other cities - Ramallah, Qalqilya, Tulkarm and Bethlehem - over two-week intervals.

Israeli ministers also approved the release of 500 Palestinian prisoners in the following days, and another 400 later.

"We hope that the first group will... include prisoners who served long sentences," Mr Abbas said.

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It appears as though things are moving in a positive direction. All said, there are some 7,000 Palestinians being held against their will. Hopefully we will see this progress into a fully settled resolution....Your thoughts?

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[edit on 3-2-2005 by Banshee]