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European Union Urges Israel Pull-Out from Refugee Camps VOA News 2 Mar 2002 21:21 UTC 
The European Union has added its voice to appeals for Israel to withdraw its troops from Palestinian refugee camps that it has occupied since Thursday in a hunt for Palestinian militants.
A statement issued Saturday by Spain, which holds the EU rotating presidency, expressed concern about what it called the "grave consequences" that could arise from occupation of the refugee camps. The EU statement called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Israeli troops pulled out of one refugee camp near Jenin on Saturday but remained in position to control traffic into or out of the camp. Israeli soldiers continue to occupy a second, larger refugee camp at Balata, outside the Palestinian-ruled city of Nablus.
An Israeli spokesman said the army will continue to operate wherever needed to protect the safety of Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.
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