Military

DATE=8/4/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL/PALESTINIANS (L-UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-306148

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Israel has announced it will release some prisoners from Palestinian militant groups this week, along with about 400 other Palestinian prisoners. The move is one of a series of confidence-building measures by Israel to promote peace with the Palestinians. But some of the releases may be blocked by legal action. Ross Dunn reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Israel published the names Monday of many of the 443 Palestinians slated for release.

The list includes 59 who are members of the militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which have carried out dozens of terrorist attacks on Israel.

But none of the prisoners have been held on suspicion of involvement in the murder of Israelis.

Of those on the list, 183 have been convicted of security related offenses, including membership in Palestinian organizations opposed to peace negotiations.

Another 161 were administrative detainees, who were held on suspicion of unlawful activities, but never formally charged.

The other prisoners have been convicted of criminal offenses, including residing illegally in Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who heads the ministerial committee on prisoners, argued in favor of approving the list.

He has said the move is necessary to build public support for his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas.

In recent weeks, Mr. Abbas has appealed publicly for the release of Palestinian prisoners, saying it is one of the measures needed to ensure Palestinian militant groups adhere to a three-month cease-fire.

All of the detainees are set to be released into the custody of the Palestinian Authority late Wednesday, at five locations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Until then, Israelis have the opportunity to lodge appeals in the Supreme Court against the release of individual prisoners. (SIGNED)

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