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Rice, Sharon Hail Gaza Pullout as Key to Middle East Peace
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=DF18F3:3919ACA

US secretary of state calls pullout a "historic step" that will
enhance Israel's security





Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, left, and U.S. Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon say Israel's planned pullout from
the Gaza Strip will boost the Mideast peace process.

The two spoke to reporters Sunday after meeting in Jerusalem to
discuss Israel's plan to withdraw from Gaza in August.

Ms. Rice called the pullout a "historic step" that will enhance
Israel's security. Mr. Sharon said the pullout will energize the
political process under the so-called "roadmap" peace plan, which
calls for an independent Palestinian state.

On some of the thorny issues surrounding the pullout, Ms. Rice said
Israeli and Palestinian leaders have agreed that Jewish homes in
Gaza's 21 settlements will be destroyed.

Palestinian officials have said they prefer that the single-family
Jewish homes be demolished so new housing can be built that is more
suitable for large Palestinian families.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.


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