WASHINGTON, Jan 21 (AFP) - The United States said Friday it was "encouraged" by measures taken by Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas to patrol the Gaza Strip and by the level of coordination with the Israelis.
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher expressed satisfaction with Abbas' move to deploy hundreds of police and security men in areas that had been the launch pad or scene of attacks on Israelis.
"We are encouraged by the steps that President Abbas has taken to gain control of the security situation in Gaza," Boucher said. "I would say we're also pleased with the coordination that's going on between Israeli and Palestinian officials."
Under an agreement concluded with the Israelis, some 2,500 Palestinian security forces were to be deployed throughout the Gaza, particularly in areas near the line separating it from the Jewish state.
"We have always stressed how important is for the Palestinians to organize themselves to end the violence, and we welcome steps that are being taken in that direction," Boucher said.
01/21/2005 20:34 GMT - AFP