Israeli Army Pulls out from West Bank Town of Bethlehem

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, July 03, 2003

Israeli Army Pulls out from West Bank Town of Bethlehem

Israel on Wednesday pulled out its army from West Bank town of Bethlehem, which had been reoccupied since the outbreak of the intifada, or uprising, in September 2000.

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Israel on Wednesday pulled out its army from West Bank town of Bethlehem, which had been reoccupied since the outbreak of the intifada, or uprising, in September 2000.

The withdrawal is part of a Palestinian-Israeli security arrangement reached earlier this week.

Palestinian sources reported that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) redeployed its security force in town as soon as the Israeli army evacuated.

The Palestinian security force was not carrying any weapons whentaking over control from withdrawing Israeli troops, according to Palestinian officials.

The Israeli army left Bethlehem after an earlier pullout from the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli army, which was due to complete withdrawal from Bethlehem by noon, postponed the pullout until 16:00 (1300 GMT), Israeli officials said, adding that the PNA was informed of the delay.

The Israeli troops, however, would remain stationed at the entrances and surroundings of the town, which was repeatedly raidedand occupied by the Israeli army during the past 33 months of violence.

Mayor of Bethlehem Hanna Nasser said in a first reaction, "We see the Israeli army stationed at the entrances of the town, and know that the Israeli separation wall is being built, but still we are very happy."

"We demand and deserve a comprehensive and just peace, and I know that Bethlehem's residents may be relieved, even though they are not satisfied," Nasser said.

The mayor noted the difference that "we see Palestinian securityforces instead of the Israeli army" in town.

He also lambasted the Israeli atrocities, saying the Israeli army had raided Bethlehem six times, resulting in economic losses of at least 5 million US dollars.

Nasser said he hoped that things would turn for the better, especially in economic recovery. He also wished security and political amelioration through implementation of the roadmap peace plan.

He said he had asked the PNA officials holding negotiations withIsrael to press for reopening of the entrances to Bethlehem.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

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