GAZA, May 29 (Xinhuanet) -- The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) welcomed Sunday the US decision to expand the power of its security envoy to the Middle East General William Ward.

    US sources confirmed over the weekend that in addition to helping the Palestinians implement security reforms, Ward will now also serve as a security coordinator and mediator between PNA and Israel during Israel's planned withdrawal.

    However, Israeli daily Ha'aretz said Israel has maintained that there is no need to expand Ward's power, and has expressed satisfaction over his work.

    Ward was appointed as a security envoy in February and was entrusted only to help the Palestinians in rebuilding and restoring their security mechanisms and place them under a single leadership.  Enditem