Ramallah, June 14: The Palestinians are ready to take over responsibility for security in areas evacuated by Israeli troops, Information Minister Nabil Amr said today amid talks to end the latest cycle of violence. Amr made his remarks after Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz said his troops were ready to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and hand over policing duties to the Palestinian authority.
"We are ready to take responsibility for any area that Israel withdraws from in the framework of the (US-backed peace) roadmap," Amr told as Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat resumed a meeting with his security chiefs begun late yesterday.
Amr said US, Egyptian, Israeli and Palestinian officials were "totally involved in contacts and talks" to end an explosion of bloodshed that has left more than 60 people dead since an international peace summit 10 days ago.
He said contacts were under way with the militant group Hamas, which has been in a virtual all-out war with Israel this week, on a draft agreement for a truce.
Israeli military radio said Israeli and Palestinian security officials might meet Saturday evening, but there was no official confirmation from either side.
Bureau Report