BUSH STOPS TERROR SANCTIONS ON PLO

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The United States, continuing its drive to winIslamicsupport for the war in Afghanistan, has prevented the imposition ofsanctions on the Palestinians for their alleged support of terrorism. President George Bush issued a waiver regarding the PalestineLiberationOrganization from sanctions connected to a 1987 anti-terrorism act. Thewaiver will last for six months. In his waiver, Bush cited U.S. national security interests. The waiverwas relayed to Congress on Tuesday. In the past, Israel had supported a presidential waiver regardingsanctions on the PLO. But over the past year, Israel has identified thePLOas a key source of attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers. Israeli officials said PLO officials, particularly Palestinian securitychief Mohammed Dahlan, was connected to Saudi billionaire fugitive OsamaBinLaden. Dahlan protected a Bin Laden agent last year when he arrived from Egyptto Gaza and was sought for questioning by Israeli authorities, theofficialssaid. At a hearing of the House International Relations subcommittee, thepresident's waiver was met by criticism. Several members said the waiverimplied a support by the administration of Palestinian terrorism.