Palestinian police to be armed

Israel will allow Palestinian police to carry arms, security officials said today, a significant step toward shoring up the prestige of Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia.

As part of a reform programme, Qureia decided to deploy blue-uniformed police on the streets of Palestinian cities and towns. However, for the last three years, Israel has not allowed Palestinians to carry arms in public.

The Israeli officials said Palestinian Civil Affairs Minister Jamil Tarifi met a senior Israeli official this week and put forward the request.

Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz said Israel would agree, but it would require presentation of a list of those who are to receive weapons and would have to approve each one individually.

Control of Palestinian streets has been taken by armed gangs and militant groups in the absence of Palestinian police. Israel banned the police in 2001, charging that they were involved in violence.

Reform of security forces is a key demand by Palestinian critics of Yasser Arafat’s administration, as well as the United States and Israel. Qureia withdrew a letter of resignation last week after Arafat agreed to give him authority over police, while retaining command of other security forces.