Abbas urges support for US plan

Mr Abbas does not have the backing of Hamas over the plan

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas says a new US security plan includes "important steps" and has urged Israel to "respond favourably".

Palestinian leaders have been debating the plan, which will allow greater freedom of movement in the West Bank.

However, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya has already dismissed it, saying it will legitimise Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory.

Israel says there are positive elements but some that are unacceptable.

'End the suffering'

The plan, or "Benchmark Document", accompanies a US push for progress in the region.

KEY POINTS OF PLAN Bus service linking Gaza and West Bank by 1 July 2007 PA to develop plan to end rocket fire by 21 June 2007 Israel to remove roadblocks in West Bank by early and mid-June Palestinian security services under control of Abbas by 15 June 2007 Israel and the Palestinians re-establish the co-ordination and liaison office

It requires the dismantling of certain checkpoints in the West Bank in return for an end to rocket attacks on Israel.

Mr Abbas said: "We think that there are important steps in this plan to stabilise security and end the suffering of our people.

"We ask Israel to respond favourably."

Israel has said it does not accept some of the security arrangements.

The BBC's Aleem Maqbool in Ramallah says Mr Abbas does not have the support of some of his ministers, who have openly criticised it.

They say it does not address major concerns about Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the separation barrier that has been built.

Hamas, the party of Mr Haniya, has said it will do everything in its power to ensure the plan fails.

Party spokesman Fawzi Barhum said: "The president should convene Palestinian factions and not decide anything without agreement."

Reports say the plan was approved by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is expected in the region again around 15 May.

Clauses of the plan are accompanied by a precise date by which they must be implemented.