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Last update - 15:36 24/01/2008 Palestinian forces enter Jordan for training under U.S. program By Reuters Tags: Israel, U.S., Palestinians  The first battalion of Palestinian security forces crossed into Jordan on Thursday to begin training under a U.S. program after nearly a year-long delay. Washington wants to train the backbone of a Palestinian gendarmerie but the program is projected to graduate only 2,000 men in 2008, the timeframe set by U.S. President George W. Bush for reaching an agreement on a Palestinian state. Advertisement The first battalion of nearly 700 U.S.-screened recruits to serve in an overhauled National Security Force crossed the Israeli-controlled Allenby Bridge, in the West Bank, into Jordan for what officials called "law and order" training. The eventual plan is for a nearly 50,000-member gendarmerie in the West Bank. The slow start to the U.S. program could compound doubts about peace efforts that largely hinge on convincing Israel that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas can combat militants before its army leaves, Western officials said. U.S. government documents show the four-month-long courses, at a facility in Jordan already used by U.S.-backed Iraqi forces, will focus on law and order and policing training. None of the instructors will be U.S. government personnel. Palestinian and many Western observers blame Israel for undermining the U.S.-led security overhaul, which could help the Palestinians make the case that they are ready for statehood. Abbas's government has launched a security crackdown in parts of the West Bank but say Israeli raids are hurting the effort. Israel has also prevented equipment like body armour and new armoured vehicles from reaching Abbas's men. While acknowledging improvement in some parts of the West Bank, Israel asserts that Palestinian security forces are still unreliable and include large numbers of anti-Israel militants. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert insists a Palestinian state will not be established until the Palestinians rein in militants in the West Bank, where Abbas's secular Fatah faction holds sway, and the Gaza Strip, which Hamas seized in June. The U.S. vetting program requires detailed background checks for each recruit. Israel has a veto over who participates because it has to give them permission to travel to Jordan. Washington is pressing other countries to fund training, but officials say little money has materialized despite billions pledged at a donors conference last month in Paris. Related articles: U.S. preparing Abbas guard to take on Hamas Israel backs U.S. plan to arm pro-Abbas forces Bookmark to del.icio.us   Le Pen sentenced French rightist punished said Nazi occupation of France wasn't 'particularly inhumane'. World premiere Eran Riklis' new film 'Lemon Tree' offers a fresh look at the Middle Eastern conflict.   1.   Train them, later on they will use it against you 07:33  |  Cristo 26/01/08   2.   When will Bush wake up? 19:39  |  Paul 09/02/08

Today Online Syria upgrades missiles thanks to Iranian support Responses: 385 2 brothers, 8 and 19, seriously hurt in Sderot Qassam strike Responses: 373 Palestinian PM: Peace deal with Israel 'unlikely' this year Responses: 151 Editorial: Open the Rafah crossing Responses: 161 B. Weinthal: Germany is the logical place to start embargo of Iran Responses: 113 Hamas confiscates humanitarian aid trucks sent to Gaza Responses: 113 Rosner's Domain McCain found a tool with which to woo conservative Republicans: Israel Why many Jewish men go beardless (WTR) New poll: Is it legitimate for Israel to cut electricity to Gaza? The Jewish vote: Obama carried Massachusetts, Connecticut Obama, Clinton and Iran: The vote that made the difference More Headlines 20:35 2 brothers, 8 and 19, seriously hurt in Qassam strike in Sderot 20:37 Hamas: W. Bank residents could breach border fence, enter Israel 20:32 U.K.: Gaza electricity cut risks harming humanitarian situation 20:28 Israel complains to UN Security Council over rocket barrage 20:23 PA census: Nearly 4 million Palestinians live in W. Bank, Gaza, E. J'lem 07:26 France's Le Pen gets suspended jail term for comments on Nazi occupation 20:56 PA negotiator: Peace deal possible in 2008 if sides honor commitments 20:53 Tennis: Israel takes 2-1 lead in Davis Cup match against Sweden 16:12 Mauritanian Pres.: Attack on Israeli Embassy won't harm ties 17:47 U.S.: Security forces for future Palestinian state will require $7b 16:32 Lebanon's presidential election postponed for 14th time 16:27 Israeli man hurt in Molotov cocktail attack on car in West Bank 07:28 New film 'Lemon Tree' offers fresh look at Mideast conflict Previous Editions Select Day 08 feb 07 feb 06 feb 05 feb 04 feb 03 feb 01 feb 31 jan 30 jan 29 jan 28 jan 27 jan

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