Chief of Israel's Central Elections Committee (CEC) Tamar Edri said Sunday that it would be possible to hold a referendum on Gaza pullout within 75 days after a Knesset (Parliament) approval.

Edri had originally told the Likud panel in charge of examining all aspects regarding a disengagement referendum that it would take90 days from the day when a referendum law is approved by the Knesset.

He made the adjustment under the pressure of the Likud panel which said the CEC should make more efforts to shorten the time to prepare for a referendum.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon agreed last week to establish the Likud panel in case holding a referendum on his disengagement plan is necessary.

Sharon plans to evacuate settlers and troops from all 21fortified enclaves in Gaza and four others in the northern West Bank by September 2005.

Though the plan is strongly supported by the public, the risk is that he might win only narrowly or lose.

After a debated due to begin on Monday, the 120-member Knesset will be asked on Tuesday to approve disengagement in principle. Enditem

Source: Xinhua