Terms set for security pact

BETHLEHEM: Palestinian officials said the Palestinian Authority (PA) would not consider resuming its controversial security co-ordination with Israel unless the latter acceded to a number of demands.

In the wake of a deadly shoot-out at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound on July 14 that led to increased Israeli security measures at the holy site, the PA announced it had suspended contact with Israel.

Mahmoud al-Habbash, an adviser on religious and Islamic affairs, said on Monday the PA did not oppose resuming security co-ordination but Israel had to cease military activity in the West Bank under PA control and grant the authority the right to control border crossings.