RAMALLAH, July 26 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei on Tuesday urged the United States to consider an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip the first step toward implementing the roadmap peace plan.

    Qurei told reporters that the withdrawal in August must be followed by preparations for a further withdrawal from the remaining occupied territories -- the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

    "The step must also be followed by recognizing a Palestinian state for the sake of achieving a fair peace that guaranteessecurity and stability in the region," he said.

    Qurei demanded that Israel stop any act that might damage final status negotiations.

    He said that the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip will be meaningless, if Israel continues building the separation wall and isolating and seizing Jerusalem. Enditem