Israel should Withdraw Soldiers from the West Bank

"In order to contribute to the elections, it is very important that Israel pulls back its soldiers from Palestinian regions in the West bank," Larsen said after a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurey in Ramallah yesterday. International community is doing its best to ensure a just and independent election in Palestine Larsen added.

Meanwhile, Fatah’s new leader, Faruq Qaddumi, concurred and said that Palestinian elections had no chance to take place if Israel did not withdraw its troops.

"Unless Israel withdraws soldiers in such a way that we can hold elections independently, the elections will not take place," said Qaddumi after meeting with a Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The US administration on the other side said that it would do its best to provide Palestinian elections on scheduled date. William J. Burns, an Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs said: "I am here to show that we support the elections. We are determined to contribute to the elections."