DATE=11/1/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL/PALESTINIANS (S)

NUMBER=2-309307

BYLINE=SONJA PACE

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Palestinian officials say Israeli troops shot and killed a young man in the West Bank city of Nablus Saturday. Palestinian officials, meanwhile, are meeting in Ramallah to discuss the formation of a new Cabinet. V-O-A's Sonja Pace reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: There are conflicting reports about the incident in Nablus. The military says soldiers ordered the Palestinian motorcyclist to stop. They say that when he refused and tried to drive away, soldiers shot him in the leg.

Witnesses and hospital officials say the man died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

In another development Saturday, members of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement met in Ramallah to choose a new speaker of parliament to replace Ahmed Qureia, the new Palestinian prime minister.

Fatah leaders also were expected to discuss Mr. Qureia's cabinet choices, in particular the post of interior minister.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said earlier this week his government is willing to resume negotiations with the Palestinians. Mr. Qureia is quoted as saying there are no immediate plans for a meeting, but that contacts would continue.

Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz is expected to meet with Palestinian officials in the coming days to discuss security issues. (SIGNED)

NEB/SP/ALW/TW