A top Palestinian official has described the Israeli army's easing of a blockade on several towns in the West Bank as "cosmetic". The army said that it had "lifted" a closure on several West Bank towns today after more than five months of blockade, one day after the United States criticised Israel for its closure policy against Palestinians. Army representatives added that it was allowing people and cars to move in and out of Ramallah through two checkpoints after thorough security checks, but residents reported only a slight easing of restrictions.
Palestinian Information Minister, Yasser Abed Rabbo, told a press conference that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's policy towards the Palestinians was "cruel and inhumane". "This is a cosmetic arrangement. They are trying to tell the world that the siege has been lifted, which is not true," he said. The blockade, imposed by the army to try to contain a Palestinian uprising that erupted in late September, has devastated the economy in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The European Union Commissioner for External Affairs, Chris Patten, has warned that the Palestinian Authority could collapse if Israel continues to stifle its economy. Mr Patten said that the unemployment and poverty, which would follow, would only serve to radicalise young Palestinians. Mr Patten had talks with the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, in Gaza yesterday. He said that the EU was seeking assurances from the Palestinian administration that it would be tougher on corruption and more accountable with its finances and that violence had to end.
