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JERUSALEM - Ehud Olmert, Israel's Prime Minister, yesterday authorised the removal of dozens of West Bank roadblocks as part of a phased package of measures designed to ease restrictions on Palestinians.
It also aims to strengthen President Mahmoud Abbas in his power struggle with the Hamas Government following a summit meeting on Sunday at which the two leaders met for the first time since Olmert took office last January.
Israel says it will enlarge the volume of Palestinian produce allowed to cross from the Gaza Strip and West Bank to Israeli ports and try to shorten queues for individuals waiting to be checked. It will also increase the number of permits for Palestinians to enter Israel.
Israel also said it would start dismantling a minority of the 400 West Bank roadblocks which now make it difficult or impossible for Palestinians to go to work in Israel.
Ephraim Sneh, the Deputy Defence Minister, said 27 would be removed, though a Government announcement was less specific. It said a final order would be given "depending on developments in the next few days".
Olmert's security team is meeting tomorrow night NZT to reassess Israel's policy of non-retaliation. The same meeting will also consider a token release of Palestinian prisoners.
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