Israelis to Extend Barrier Deeper Into West Bank: Sharon advisor: "exactly what we agreed with the Americans"

The New York Times > International > Middle East > Israelis to Extend Barrier Deeper Into West Bank: "By GREG MYRE | Published: June 15, 2004

JERUSALEM, June 14 - Israel is preparing to build new segments of its separation barrier around Jewish settlements that would mark the deepest penetration yet into the West Bank, a move that drew sharp criticism from Palestinians on Monday.

President Bush has called the fence's route a "problem," and American officials have raised objections in continuing talks with the Israelis. But Israel has insisted that Washington has not opposed the first phase of construction around Ariel and nearby settlements that are more than 10 miles inside the West Bank.

The Israeli plan, approved by the government last fall, calls for building a barrier around three sides of Ariel, which is about 20 miles north of Jerusalem and is one of the largest Jewish settlements, with close to 20,000 residents. This same building pattern would be carried out around several other settlements in the same area.

After this work is completed, Israel would consult with the United States about joining these sections together and linking them with the main barrier, which runs closer to the West Bank boundary, said Asaf Shariv, an adviser to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

"This is exactly what we agreed to with the Americans," he said.

Baghdad: car bomb: 13 dead, incl 5 US workers

Excite News: "Crowds Celebrate 13 Deaths in Iraq Blast | Jun 14, 9:00 PM (ET) | By ROBERT H. REID

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A car bomb shattered a convoy of Westerners in Baghdad Monday, killing at least 13 people, including three General Electric workers and two bodyguards. Crowds rejoiced over the attack, dancing around a charred body and shouting 'Down with the USA!'"