BEIJING, April 4 -- Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has charged Palestinian officials with the task of disarming hundreds of militants wanted by Israel within two weeks.

    Abbas issued a decree Monday giving committees of officials in Gaza and the West Bank two weeks to resolve the fugitive issue.

    Under the decree, the wanted men would voluntarily disarm and then be recruited as officials in the Palestinian government. Once disarmed, Israel would no longer pursue the fugitives.

    But some militants have continued to resist Abbas' efforts to streamline security.

    In another development, sources said that Palestinian and Israeli officials have held secret meetings on the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the West Bank in July.

    In the meetings, Palestinians asked that Israel stop building settlements and the separation wall, and relax checkpoint inspections on Palestinians.

    Israel promised to respond in several days.

(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)