Israel To Release 200 Palestinians Prisoners To Bolster Slow-Moving Peace Talks

Jerusalem, Israel (AHN) - Israel's Cabinet on Sunday voted to release around 200 Palestinian prisoners in a move to build confidence and to strengthen the peace process.

The authorities in Jerusalem claimed that it was a goodwill gesture to president Mahmud Abbas in a measure to bolster slow-moving United States-backed peace talks.

Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert decided to seek the prisoner release and gained approval by a vote of 16 to 4, the local officials said.

Prime Minister Olmert has said that he will resign in the month of September, which is around the time when his Kadima party selects a new leader during a primary election.

Mark Regev, a spokesman to Prime Minister Olmert, said the move is a confidence-building measure "demonstrate that the path of moderation, negotiation and reconciliation would bring tangible results."

According to Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat, the prisoners will be released by August 25 and expected more Palestinians to be released soon.

Prime Minister Olmert has indicated in the past that Israel is prepared to release some from 11,000 Palestinians prisoners held in its jails.

However, Israel Cabinet and Olmert have not approved the release of Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti who is was demanded to be released by the Palestinians.