CIA expands activities in self-rule areas

Israeli radio has said that the United States' Central Intelligence Agency has intensified its activities in the Palestinian self-rule area and opened offices for itself in Gaza, Hebron and Nablus.

Israeli radio added that the CIA also intends to open representative offices in all the cities of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The radio continued that the CIA informed the Palestinian government of its intention to employ Palestinians among those who speak both Arabic and English.

Palestinian security officials were reportedly fearful of such expanded activities in the self-rule areas.

The CIA played a key role in the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian government and took part in reaching an Israeli - Palestinian security agreement which ensures the US the role as "supervisor and mediator."

The Wye River accord provides for a role to be played by the CIA in implementing the agreement, especially in arresting and investigating the Palestinian opposition.