PA Prepares Anti-Crime Campaign

RAMALLAH [MENL] -- The Palestinian Authority, battling a sharp drop in support, has drafted plans for an anti-crime campaign throughout the West Bank.

Officials said Prime Minister Salam Fayad has ordered a law and order campaign throughout the West Bank that would demonstrate the utility of the newly-trained and -equipped PA security forces. They said the campaign, launched as the PA set elections for Jan. 24, 2010, would include a crackdown on drug traffickers, car thieves, violent crime and the establishment of a tourist police.