Reuters

West Bank restrictions 'to be eased'

Updated 10.56 Tue May 13 2008

Israel has agreed to ease travel and trade restrictions on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, Middle East envoy Tony Blair has said.

"This is a first step but it is a significant first step," Mr Blair said. "It will make a marked improvement."

Israel has long refused to remove major checkpoints, arguing they are necessary to stop suicide bombers entering its cities

He said the changes over time would "significantly" improve north-south and east-west movement within the West Bank.

Mr Blair said Israel would scrap one checkpoint near the West Bank city of Hebron this week, and remove or relocate several others, including one at Beit El near Ramallah, which would be moved "once Israel determines the security situation so allows".

The former British Prime Minister had presented Israel with a list of a total of 12 checkpoints, roadblocks and other barriers in the West Bank he wanted removed.

But Israel agreed to take only some of the proposed steps for now.

Mr Blair was appointed to his post as envoy last June to spearhead efforts to revive the Palestinian economy.

His announcement comes a day before a visit by US President George W Bush to celebrate Israel's 60th anniversary.

Palestinians have said that Israel's network of checkpoints and roadblocks in the West Bank amounts to collective punishment, stifle their economy and undermine support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

But Israel has long refused to remove major checkpoints, arguing they are necessary to stop suicide bombers entering its cities.

Mr Abbas and Israeli Prime Minsiter Ehud Olmert launched US-backed peace talks in November with the aim of reaching a deal before Mr Bush leaves office in January.

The negotiations have shown little sign of progress so far.