Mubarak welcomes decision to hand over West Bank villages to Palestinian government

President Hosni Mubarak welcomed the Israeli Cabinet decision to hand over three West Bank villages to the Palestinians.

The Israeli Cabinet Monday approved the transfer of Abu Dis, Izzariah and Sawahrah A-Sharkieh to the control of the Palestinian government.

Fifteen ministers voted for the transfer while six voted against.

President Mubarak said that the decision is a step on the right direction. He expressed hope that other steps, favoring and furthering peace, would follow.