GAZA, July 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Spain has approved on Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat's request to participate in an international force that will replace the Israel Army in the Gaza Strip,Palestinian sources said Thursday.

    They said Arafat and his former Interior Minister Mohamad Dahalan have been counting on Spain's approval to convey soldiers and civil security force to be part of the international force that is due to be formed after the Israeli evacuation of the strip.

    Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei conveyed Arafat's request to Spain during his recent visit to Madrid, saying that Spanish Prime Minister Jose Sapatero might visit the Palestinian territories in fall.

    Meanwhile, the sources said the EU Middle East Special EnvoyMarc Otte has showed the union's intention to convey international military forces to Gaza.

    They added the international force will be responsible to guarantee the security of roads leading to the strip, its terminals and passages, as well as controlling the Gaza seaport and airport.

    The international force will also form joint patrols with the Palestinian security services in order to avert any Palestinian-led attack from the Gaza Strip against Israeli targets, said the sources. Enditem