JERUSALEM, Jan. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Thursday that Israel could implement the roadmap if the Palestinians stopped attacks, Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post reported.

    "If the Palestinians act forcefully to disband terror groups andput an end to violence and incitement, we could move forward in our contacts to implement the roadmap." Sharon told a convention of the Contractors' Association in Tel Aviv.

    His remarks came hours after the Palestinian National Authority(PNA) began deploying forces in the southern Gaza Strip, as previously agreed with Israel.

    Earlier on Thursday, PNA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said he was waiting for an Israeli response to his offer to declare a mutual ceasefire "as soon as possible."

    Meanwhile, former Palestinian security chief Mohammed Dahlansaid that Israel has agreed "in principle" to withdraw forces from West Bank cities and give Palestinians policing rights in those areas. Enditem