DATE=04/21/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS (S-UPD)

NUMBER=2-288960

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

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INTRO: Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, says the first stage of his country's three-week military offensive against the West Bank is over. Ross Dunn in Jerusalem reports Mr. Sharon made his remarks as Israeli forces withdrew from most parts of the territory.

TEXT: Mr. Sharon made his announcement as Israeli troops withdrew from Nablus, the largest Palestinian self-rule city in the West Bank.

The army also left Ramallah, except for troops surrounding Palestinian-leader Yasser Arafat's headquarters.

Mr. Sharon says that this meant the current stage of what was named Operation Defensive Shield is now over.

Meanwhile, an Israeli army spokesman says that the troops are continuing to encircle some Palestinian cities in the West Bank

Israeli military officials say the operation has resulted in the capture or killing of 15 of Israel's most wanted Palestinian terrorists. (SIGNED)

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