Israel asked former United States President Jimmy Carter to inform the Palestinian Authority (PA) that IDF forces would stay out of the areas, as promised, unless the PA fails to act to prevent further terrorist attacks. Carter is one of dozens of foreign officials supervising Sunday’s elections for a successor to Yasser Arafat. The PA claimed it asked Carter to pressure Israel to remove its troops from the urban areas.
Defense sources reported the IDF has removed at least 14 roadblocks throughout Samaria, particularly in the areas of Shechem, Tulkarem and Jenin. Private vehicles were allowed through the Gush Katif junction, where passage is usually limited to taxicabs and trucks.
PA minister Sa'eb Erekat complained to international observers that Israel has not kept its promise to remove troops and "is threatening to undermine free and fair elections."
Silvan Shalom, Israel's foreign minister, denied the accusations. "Israel is doing everything it can to ensure proper elections and allow free travel so long as it does not endanger security," he said in response to the PA complaints. "There is an open line of communication with the head of the team of observers, and they can turn to me with any problem."
IDF spokesmen responded simply: "The army is not in (Arab) cities and has eased restrictions at roadblocks." Israel and PA security officials have even set up a joint command center near Beit El, north of Jerusalem and Israel is allowing PA police to carry rifles.
In addition to Carter, international observers include European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana and several United States congressmen.
Israel removed troops despite the terrorist attack Friday afternoon which killed one Israeli and injured three others. Defense officials also said it has received warnings that terrorists or planning attacks Sunday.
Defense sources reported the IDF has removed at least 14 roadblocks throughout Samaria, particularly in the areas of Shechem, Tulkarem and Jenin. Private vehicles were allowed through the Gush Katif junction, where passage is usually limited to taxicabs and trucks.
PA minister Sa'eb Erekat complained to international observers that Israel has not kept its promise to remove troops and "is threatening to undermine free and fair elections."
Silvan Shalom, Israel's foreign minister, denied the accusations. "Israel is doing everything it can to ensure proper elections and allow free travel so long as it does not endanger security," he said in response to the PA complaints. "There is an open line of communication with the head of the team of observers, and they can turn to me with any problem."
IDF spokesmen responded simply: "The army is not in (Arab) cities and has eased restrictions at roadblocks." Israel and PA security officials have even set up a joint command center near Beit El, north of Jerusalem and Israel is allowing PA police to carry rifles.
In addition to Carter, international observers include European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana and several United States congressmen.
Israel removed troops despite the terrorist attack Friday afternoon which killed one Israeli and injured three others. Defense officials also said it has received warnings that terrorists or planning attacks Sunday.