VIDEO - Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat told a Ramallah press conference following Saturday’s meeting between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert andPalestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that Israel will release USD 100 million in frozen in tax rebates to the Palestinians and other funds it had frozen after Hamas came to power earlier this year.
The leaders agreed on the establishment of three joint committees: A committee to deal with the prisoners release issue, a security committee to discuss the expansion of the ceasefire to the West Bank and the possibility of transferring additional towns to Palestinian control, and a financial committee tasked with settling the crossings issue and the transfer of funds to the Palestinian Authority.
However, the senior official added, the issue of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit’s release was not discussed so as not to hinder the Egyptians’ mediation efforts.
“They discussed in detail the situation of the Palestinian ministers and legislators held in Israel,” Erekat said.
Erekat said Abbas and Olmert agreed that an additional NIS 35 million (about USD 8 million) would be transferred to Palestinian hospitals in Jerusalem.
Erekat added that additional meetings between the sides are expected.
“Now it is important that we strengthen the calm; we made it clear that violence leads to more violence and that the raids and killings will not bring security,” he said.
Erekat said Abbas and Olmert also agreed on the easing of restrictions currently imposed on the Palestinians, mainly those pertaining to the border crossings.
According to the agreement, 400 containers will be allowed entry into the Strip on a daily basis.
Erekat said the first issue raised during the meeting was the situation in Jerusalem and the need to avoid unilateral steps in the capital, especially with regards to the construction of the security fence.
According to him, Abbas also spoke of the wanted Palestinians and the need to allow them to lead a reasonable life and integrate into society.
Ronny Sofer and AP contributed to the report