DATE=04/30/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS (S)

NUMBER=2-289259

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S, British, and Palestinian officials are to meet again today (Tuesday) to work out the details of a plan to end the Israeli military siege around the West Bank headquarters of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Ross Dunn reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Efforts are intensifying to implement President Bush's plan to end the Israeli military blockade around Mr. Arafat's compound in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

The Palestinian leader has remained a virtual prisoner in his offices since December, when Israeli troops positioned tanks around his headquarters.

Under Mr. Bush's plan, accepted by both sides, Mr. Arafat will be allowed to travel freely after six wanted Palestinian militants are transferred to a Palestinian prison, where they will be guarded by British and U-S personnel.

A delegation of British and U-S representatives is due to inspect the prison facilities in the West Bank city of Jericho, where the militants are to be placed behind bars.

U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell says that a State Department official is being sent to the region to help with the preparations.

Mr. Powell says details of the plan should be worked out soon but gave no further details. (Signed)

NEB/RD/JWH