Israel to release militants as roadblocks demolished

BEARING a package of goodwill offerings toward the Palestinians, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon yesterday prepared for talks with President George Bush aimed at finding an elusive peace.

Just hours before Sharon’s arrival in Washington, the Israeli Cabinet approved the release of Islamic militants from prison and tore down some troublesome West Bank roadblocks in what were seen as an attempt to counter Palestinian charges of Israeli recalcitrance in peacemaking.

Palestinian prime minister Mahmoud Abbas presented a list of complaints against the Israelis in a meeting with Bush, ahead of Sharon’s White House talks today.