8-18-08, 9:44 am

Tel Aviv, Aug 17 (Prensa Latina) Israel confirmed Sunday the release of more than 150 Palestinian prisoners, but said nothing about an eventual withdrawal from the occupied territories.

The announcement was made after a meeting between Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian Prime Minister Salaam Fayyad.

Barak and Fayyad met in Tel Aviv Saturday, Aug. 16th, after the Israeli government promised to release the prisoners as a goodwill gesture to the government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The decision was made on the eve of a new Middle East visit by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who intends to spur the peace talks process launched in Annapolis in November 2007, according the Jerusalem Post and Haaretz newspapers.

Israeli security officials must still approve the list of prisoners to be freed under Sunday's decision. The list might include Fatah leader Marwan Braghouti, who is serving several life sentences for his involvement in attacks against Israelis, a note from Fayyad's office said.

A press release issued by the Israeli Defense Ministry said Barak and Fayyad also discussed diplomatic and security-related issues, including economic projects in the West Bank and activities of the Palestinian security services.

Fayyad also urged Barak to stop construction projects in Palestinian occupied territories and cease Israeli military incursions in the West Bank.

From Prensa Latina