Sharon delays Gaza pullout to avoid clash with mourning

ISRAELI Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has agreed to delay the pull-out from the Gaza Strip by three weeks, ostensibly to avoid a conflict with a Jewish period of mourning.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas meanwhile, moving ahead on promises to reform his corrupt and unwieldy security services, has chosen three people to head a consolidated force, Palestinian government officials said.

Mr Abbas has also authorised the forced retirement of two senior figures, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.