Palestinians, U.S. working on joint statement; Sharon signals end of incursions

RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian and U.S. negotiators are working on a joint statement condemning suicide bombings and endorsing creation of a Palestinian state, officials said, while Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (news - web sites) said his troops would leave two of the four West Bank towns they are occupying within a week.

However, early Tuesday Israeli tanks re-entered Tulkarem, one of two towns evacuated April 9. Witnesses said tanks rolled in from four directions, covered by attack helicopters. The Israeli military said the incursion was aimed at making arrests, not reoccupying the town.

Also, the military said forces were searching for suspects and weapons in the Askar refugee camp next to Nablus as well as the West Bank villages of Hirbet Beit Hassan, Fara, Luba Sharkiyeh, A-Ram and Anata.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites) postponed a meeting with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat (news - web sites), Palestinian officials said, hoping that the joint statement could be worked out before the session in Arafat's besieged Ramallah headquarters, now set for Wednesday. Powell is to meet Sharon on Tuesday.