Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA) – Quartet Special Envoy first implementation report/Non-UN document

OFFICE OF

THE SPECIAL ENVOY FOR DISENGAGEMENT

First Report on the Implementation of the Agreement on Access and Movement

The Quartet Special Envoy's Office is submitting the first biweekly report on the implementation of the Agreement on Access and Movement covering the period 15 to 25 November inclusive. Data on Rafah refer to the first day of opening (26 November). The  QSE Office draws on all available data sources for reporting including the EU, UN  agencies, PA ministries, PalTrade, COGAT, the US Security Coordinator, the US Embassy  and Consulate and the World Bank.

• Rafah was opened in an official ceremony on 25 November, following arrival of the  vanguard of the EU Border Assistance Mission (BAM). On 26 November the crossing  opened for passenger traffic. In the four hours of operation, 1587 people crossed. EU BAM will gradually increase working hours towards eventual 24-hour operation.

• The PA has successfully established clear operating procedures for Rafah. The security  working group has been established. Israel has yet to provide the Palestinian side with  updated information on the population registry.

• The liaison office at Kerem Shalom has been established. It receives live footage from  the cameras in Rafah. Operating procedures for Kerem Shalom are being discussed. So  far, the Kerem Shalom crossing has not been opened.

• As for Karni, the throughput of trucks has increased by comparison with the baseline  period (January 2004 – June 2005), reaching a daily average of 44 truckloads for  exports. No closures were reported.

• As for Erez, the average daily number of Palestinian workers and businesspeople  allowed into Israel has increased, reaching 1330 during the reporting period. During the  reported period, Erez was closed completely for three days. The Israeli authorities cited  an unspecified security threat as the reason for closure.

• Talks are ongoing with regard to improving and unifying the management system of the  crossings at Erez, Karni and Kerem Shalom.

• With regard to convoys between Gaza and the West Bank, implementation  arrangements are still to be worked out.

• As for obstacles to movement in the West Bank, OCHA reports that the number  increased from 376 on 1 August to 396 on 26 November. Work on a plan to reduce obstacles is ongoing.

• The GoI is to send a letter assuring donors that it will not interfere with the operation of  the seaport. Discussions on the reconstruction of the airport are to be resumed soon.