Palestinian Authority

Quartet envoy Tony Blair on May 13 unveiled a package of steps designed to allow greater movement in the West Bank, and help the Palestinian economy grow in a way in which he said would be consistent with protecting Israeli security. Blair said that the Israelis and the Palestinian Authority, after weeks of negotiations, have agreed on the steps which he said could begin to change the reality on the ground. Blair said Israel would take away four of its military checkpoints and cede increased security authority in and around the town of Jenin to make way for a business park. (The Jerusalem Post, The Times, UK)