Palestinians named in prisoner release

The prisoner issue stirs passions on both sides

Israel has published the names of nearly 350 Palestinian prisoners who are to be released as a goodwill gesture to Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas.

But the move was quickly condemned as inadequate by Palestinian leaders, with Yasser Arafat calling it a "fraud".

The release of nearly 450 prisoners was approved on Sunday by the Israeli Government committee on Palestinian prisoners.

In a related development, Israel radio said Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon would meet his Palestinian counterpart on Wednesday - the day the releases are due to take place.

Palestinians want all the 6,000 fellow Palestinians detained by Israel to be released.

ISRAELI RELEASES 183 people convicted of helping militants or engaging in violence against Israel At least 139 held without charge Nearly 100 others charged with criminal offences or entering Israel illegally

However, Israel has said that no-one with what is termed "blood on their hands" will be released.

Although the releases are not stipulated in the internationally-backed peace plan known as the roadmap, correspondents say they are fundamental to its success and Palestinians will also judge their new prime minister's performance over the issue.

Curious about lists

The names of those to be released were published on the prison service's website to enable Israelis opposed to their release to launch a legal challenge.

A mass release of prisoners had been promised for several weeks by the Israelis, and Palestinians crowded into internet cafes and inundated local radio stations to find out if friends and relatives would be included.

On the list, 183 people had been convicted of anti-Israeli activities - ranging from throwing stones at soldiers to making and supplying explosives - and others accused of belonging to radical Palestinian groups.

Another large category was made up of people being held without charge.

One Israeli official said about 80 prisoners from the longer list had already completed their sentences and been released.

Other reports suggested that 128 of those down for release would have completed their sentences by the end of this year in any case.

However, Israeli support groups of victims of terror attacks reacted angrily to the announcement of the prisoner release.

Shooting

Sunday's vote to release the prisoners was overshadowed in Israel by news of a shooting by Palestinians in the West Bank which left a woman and one of her three children in a serious condition.

ROADMAP MAIN POINTS Phase 1 (to May 2003): End to Palestinian violence; Palestinian political reform; Israeli withdrawal and freeze on settlement expansion; Palestinian elections Phase 2: (June-Dec 2003) Creation of an independent Palestinian state; international conference and international monitoring of compliance with roadmap Phase 3 (2004-2005): Second international conference; permanent status agreement and end of conflict; agreement on final borders, Jerusalem, refugees and settlements; Arab states to agree to peace deals with Israel

The attack - at a roadblock - was the first on Israeli civilians in the Bethlehem area since Palestinian militants declared a temporary cease-fire five weeks ago.

It was claimed by Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades - militants linked to Mr Arafat's Fatah faction.

Members of the same group in the Tulkarm area have threatened to take revenge after one of its men was shot dead by Israeli soldiers.

Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz said after the roadblock shooting that Israel would not hand over control of any more Palestinian towns until action was taken against the gunmen.

Meanwhile in the West Bank town of Ramallah a group of militants wanted by the Israelis remain at Yasser Arafat's headquarters after an attempt by Palestinian authorities to remove them at the weekend failed.

The men have proved an obstacle to an Israeli withdrawal from the city as well as an embarrassment to Mr Arafat, observers say.

On Monday, Mr Arafat told reporters: "We will move them to Gaza or to Jericho."

But he did not say when or how this would be accomplished.