[16 March 2005] JERICHO, West Bank,(Saba) - Israeli forces were turning over the West Bank city of Jericho to Palestinian security control Wednesday, commanders on both sides said.

The handover follows weeks of dispute over the removal of three army roadblocks ringing the town.

In a compromise, Israeli troops were taking down one barrier on Wednesday and leaving two in place for another month.

Following an Israeli-Palestinian agreement, the full transfer of Jericho and its surrounding area to the Palestinians is to take place in a phased operation over the next four weeks.

TD

SABA