JERICHO, March 21, 2007, (WAFA)-Head of the PLO Negotiations Affairs Department, Dr. Saeb Erikat called upon international community to lift bank restrictions imposed on the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and compel Israel releasing the held taxes.

Following the meeting with Norwegian deputy Foreign Minister Raymon Juhanson in Jericho, Dr. Erikat affirmed on the necessity to resume a meaningful peace process leads to the implementation of the Road Map as one package to end Israeli occupation started in 1967 and a comprehensive implementation of the Arab Peace initiative in 2002.

He added that continuity of colonisations activities such as constructing of Separation Wall, siege, assassinations and closure would lead to more bloodshed and expanding the cycle of violence.

Erikat stressed that peace negotiations will be carried under the patronage of President Mahmoud Abbas and the PLO and there is no excuse from Israeli government to reject resumption of negotiations and implement President Bush's vision for two-state solution.

M.H.(10:46 P)(08:46 GMT)