JENIN: INTERIOR MINISTER VISITS TO GAGE PROGRESS,

UNCLAS JERUSALEM 000827 SENSITIVE SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/PASCUAL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KWBG IS PGOV PTER SUBJECT: JENIN: INTERIOR MINISTER VISITS TO GAGE PROGRESS, PASF CONTINUE VILLAGE PATROLS REF: JERUSALEM 817 ¶1. (U) PA Minister of the Interior (MoI) Abd al-Raziq al-Yahya met with Governor Qaddura Musa and PA security forces (PASF) commanders in Jenin on May 13 to measure the security operation's progress. Al-Yahya criticized IDF incursions into Jenin but said the PA will overcome all obstacles and impose law and order and improve the economic situation. PA Patrols Southern Villages -------------- ¶2. (SBU) According to Jenin NSF commander BG Sulayman Imran, PASF conducted presence patrols and searched for wanted militants and criminals in the following villages south/southwest of Jenin: Maythalun, Siris, al-Judayda, Sir, Sa Nur (the Area A village, not the dismantled Israeli settlement) Silt al-Dahir (Area B),Attara, Jaba' (Area B), Bizzariya and Fandaqumiya (Area B). PA Coordinating for Operation SE of Jenin -------------- ¶3. (SBU) BG Imran told local press that the PA will expand operations near Tubas and al-Fara'a Refugee Camp in coming days. He said the PA had not received notice from the IDF that it would limit operations in the Jenin area, according to terms outlined by Tony Blair's announcement, and said the issue of security responsibility is still being discussed by the PA and GOI. WALLES