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Israel, U.S. Resolving Fence Route Issue

(Ha'aretz) Aluf Benn - Israel has asked the U.S. to provide official endorsement of the separation fence route, as part of the "benefits basket" which is to be provided in exchange for implementation of Prime Minister Sharon's separation plan. U.S. acceptance of an Israeli compromise on the barrier's planned route has effectively removed the fence issue from the U.S.-Israel diplomatic agenda. Under the compromise, the route approved by the Israeli government on October 1, 2003, would not be altered, but would be defined as a "vision" whose construction is to be done in stages. Problematic areas of the fence which stirred U.S. criticism will either not be built at present, or will be constructed in a manner that minimizes inconvenience to Palestinians. In the stretch of fence running between Jerusalem and the southern Hebron Hills, the fence is to be moved closer to the "green line."
2004-03-31 00:00:00
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